NFL news: Aaron Donald rejoins Los Angeles Rams in shock comeback ahead of 2026/27 season

Aaron Donald, arguably one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, has decided, after just over two years of retirement and spending time with family, to make a comeback and rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer and NFL fan Luca Salmasi looks at Donald’s shock return ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Going back home

Donald is returning to the place he has called home ever since the Rams drafted him with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

The 35-year-old earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time first-team All-Pro, and won a Super Bowl with the Rams at the end of the 2021 season before retiring in March 2024 at 32.

Now, Donald is returning to what looks set to be a stacked Rams roster that is already the betting favourite to go and win the Super Bowl this season.

The team includes Matthew Stafford at quarterback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who will play alongside Donald in the defensive line.

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McVay’s master plan

Ever since rumours began circulating about the Rams signing Garrett, Donald’s return has been a topic of discussion.

Under head coach Sean McVay, Donald subsequently returned to the practice facility to undergo a strict, regimented process to assess whether he could still play in the NFL.

And after nearly three months of intensive workouts, he finally made the decision to return.

If Donald can echo the form he showed in his prime, he has a chance to form one of the most formidable defensive line duos the NFL has seen in quite some time, which will wreak havoc on rivals, especially in the NFC West.

High expectations await

After two years of retirement, Donald still looks in the same incredible shape he was in during the main stages of his playing career.

But can his legacy be replicated in whatever time he has in the upcoming season or should he have stayed at home?

Donald’s build is considered small for a defensive tackle, but in his initial spell with the Rams, he made up for his lack of size with extraordinary athleticism and an impressive work rate.

Indeed, his NFL stats showcased that dominance as he set a franchise record for the Rams with 111 sacks and 542 total tackles during his first spell, including 337 solo tackles.

Whilst it isn’t clear whether he will travel to Melbourne for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Donald is clearly eager to complete a comeback that he believed impossible just three months ago.

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