Aaron Donald is officially back, joining the Los Angeles Rams defensive line alongside Myles Garrett for the 2026 campaign. The legendary defensive tackle, who many thought had retired after the 2023 season, is making a comeback that immediately reshapes the entire NFC West. This isn’t just a big signing, it’s a seismic shift.
The “Super Team” Takes Form
This reunion gained serious traction after the Rams pulled off a blockbuster trade on June 1, sending Jared Verse and three draft picks to the Cleveland Browns for Myles Garrett. The idea of Donald, now 35, un-retiring picked up steam right after that. NFL insider Jordan Schultz even texted Donald, who gave a hint of what was coming: “I’m for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.” Rams head coach Sean McVay dropped hints in July too, telling reporters Donald was going through a “very strict, regimented process” similar to his playing days. Donald wasn’t just talking about it either; he worked out with the team multiple times in August. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in June that if the Rams presented a plan for his usage, his return was “more likely than not,” adding that other teams believed the Rams would “find the money. They’ll make it happen.” Well, they found the money and they made it happen.
Unstoppable Force, Now Doubled
So, what does this mean for opposing offenses? It’s simple: if Donald is even close to his pre-retirement form, offensive lines are staring down an almost impossible task trying to block both him and Garrett. Donald’s resume is absolutely stacked: a Super Bowl ring, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Defensive Rookie of the Year, eight First-Team All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowl nods, and a spot on the Pro Football Hall Of Fame All-2010s team. He racked up 111 sacks in 10 seasons, including a league-leading 20.5 in 2018. That’s six seasons with double-digit sacks, which is just wild for a defensive tackle who always got double-teamed. Then there’s Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who just shattered the NFL’s single-season sack record with a ridiculous 23 in 2025. He’s got two DPOY awards, five First-Team All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowl selections, and eight straight seasons with double-digit sacks. Garrett was unblockable in Cleveland, and now, with offenses having to account for Donald too, he’s only going to get more dangerous.
This is going to be a nightmare for every quarterback and offensive coordinator in the league. Get ready, because this Rams defensive line is about to be an absolute problem. We’re talking pure chaos this season, and the rest of the league needs to figure out how to even line up against it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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