Aaron Donald signs one-year $20 million contract to return to Rams
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has agreed to a one-year deal worth $20 million, with incentives that could raise the total to $30 million, as he comes out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.
Aaron Donald has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams valued at $20 million, with performance incentives that could increase the total compensation to $30 million, according to sources cited by ESPN and NFL Network. The Rams confirmed his return but did not disclose the contract details.
Donald, who retired in March after ten seasons, is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time first-team All-Pro and a ten-time Pro Bowl selection. He retired following a distinguished career that includes 111 sacks, the second-most by a defensive tackle since sacks became an official statistic.
Head coach Sean McVay said Donald has been following a strict, regimented training regimen similar to his preparation during his playing years. The process included a workout at Loyola Marymount University attended by Rams staff, where McVay observed that Donald "looked outstanding" during the session.
The Rams acquired defensive end Myles Garrett in June, prompting speculation that Donald might return to play alongside the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. If Donald takes the field, he will join Deion Sanders as the only players in NFL history to be five-time first-team All-Pros, have a 750-day layoff, and return to the league.
The team enters the season as a favorite to win Super Bowl LXI, which will be held at the Rams' home venue, SoFi Stadium. The franchise last captured a Super Bowl title in 2022, when Donald recorded two sacks in the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.