Donald returns to a stacked Rams roster

Aaron Donald, who announced his retirement in March 2024 at age 32, has returned to the Los Angeles Rams with a one-year contract worth $20 million, potentially rising to $30 million with bonuses, according to The Guardian and ESPN. The 35-year-old defensive tackle is rejoining the team he helped win the Super Bowl in 2022. He was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time first team All-Pro during his 10-year career with the Rams, who drafted him 13th overall in 2014. Donald ends his career with a franchise record 111 sacks.

Donald’s return was fueled by the Rams’ blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, acquired from the Cleveland Browns in June. Former Colts punter Pat McAfee noted the move would keep offensive coordinators up at night: “BREAKING: Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald are officially on the same DLINE,” he tweeted. The Rams also have MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, making them favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, according to The New York Post.

Donald’s return driven by team goals and fitness

Donald said in a statement, as reported by n-tv.de and T-Online, that he had trained for 12 to 13 weeks to bring his body back to a level where he could play at a high level while remaining durable. “I’m now ready to come back and try to do something special with this group of guys,” he said. He also cited the Rams’ strengthened defensive line as a key factor in his decision, noting the addition of Myles Garrett and the existing presence of players like Byron Young and Jared Verse.

Rams head coach Sean McVay had been involved in a “very strict, regimented process” to assess Donald’s physical readiness, similar to one he used during his playing days. McVay praised Donald for being “outstanding” during a summer workout. The coach also expressed confidence in Donald’s ability to return at a high level: “If Aaron decides he wants to come back at 35, I bet he can still play at a damn high level,” McVay said in an interview cited by LAOLA1.

Donald’s legacy and impact on the league

Standing at 6ft 1in and 280 lbs, Donald was small for a defensive tackle but made up for it with extraordinary athleticism and work rate — he was one of only three players to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, joining Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt, as noted by T-Online. Donald was also the first player to make the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his seasons, a feat previously matched only by Barry Sanders.

Donald’s return has generated excitement not only among fans but also among NFL stars; Rams defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson noted in a joint training session that he saw a “better version” of Donald, according to n-tv.de. The Rams are now set to play the 2025 season on home turf at SoFi Stadium, where they won their 2022 championship, should they reach the Super Bowl.