Defensive lineman Aaron Donald ended his retirement of two and a half years to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Donald, 35, participated in practice at the team's Woodland Hills facility that same day, wearing his No. 99 jersey after several months of physical preparation.
Donald previously stepped away from professional football following the 2023 season. He stated that he began considering a return while observing the Rams' roster rebuilding efforts. He reported that he remained in frequent contact with head coach Sean McVay throughout his retirement, describing their communication as occurring almost every day.
The defensive lineman signed a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The agreement is valued at $20 million in base pay and can reach up to $30 million through performance-based incentives. Donald cited the team’s recent acquisitions, specifically the trade for defensive end Myles Garrett and additions to the secondary like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, as factors in his decision to return.
The move involves a financial commitment of $20 million to $30 million for a single year. Donald, who earned Pro Bowl honors in all 10 of his active seasons, joins a defense that recently added Myles Garrett.
On a day-to-day level, Donald's return changes the practice dynamics at the Woodland Hills facility, where McVay noted the team will prioritize "knocking the rust off" through 11-on-11 drills. While Donald is back on the field, his availability for the regular-season opener remains unconfirmed. The Rams are scheduled to open their season against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. The team has indicated they will manage his return "one day at a time" to ensure health and readiness.
What happens next: The Rams will continue their practice schedule leading up to their Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Donald will continue conditioning under the team's supervision following his 14-week training program.