Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is officially back in the NFL, rejoining the Rams for 2026 after two seasons away from the field. This isn’t just a feel-good story about a legend returning; Donald is teaming up with reigning Defensive Player of the Year and single-season sack champion Myles Garrett, creating a defensive line that was already being called “super” before the ink dried. The Rams were already Super Bowl favorites, and Donald’s return just cranks that up to eleven.
The League Just Got a Whole Lot Tougher
Donald’s return had been buzzed about since the Rams traded for Garrett back in June, and it became clear recently that the 35-year-old was seriously thinking about putting the pads back on. When he retired in 2024, Donald was still one of the game’s best active defensive linemen, and he’s known for being in excellent shape. Think about guys like Cameron Heyward and Calais Campbell, who were still effective well into their 30s. Neither of them was as dominant as Donald at his peak, so it’s not crazy to think he’s still got plenty in the tank. With Donald willing to rework his contract to fit the Rams’ available cap space, there’s practically no downside to bringing back a player who can still change a game with his presence alone.
A ‘Super’ Defense That Solved Its Problems
The Rams’ defense was already stacked, but with Donald back in the fold, it’s just ridiculous. Kobie Turner, who has 24 sacks across three seasons in L.A., notching at least seven sacks in each of his three seasons, has made the transition away from Donald seamless. Now, he’s got Donald right there with him. The projected depth chart is wild: Kobie Turner and Aaron Donald anchoring the defensive line, with Poona Ford serving as a true nose tackle and Braden Fiske potentially moving to a rotational role. Fiske was drafted to be Donald’s direct replacement in 2024 and has had some pass-rush success. But it’s not just the D-line. The Rams also made major moves to fix their biggest defensive weakness by adding Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to their cornerback room, joining safeties Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens. Oh, and Myles Garrett and Byron Young are rushing off the edges. This squad reached the NFC Championship Game last season, and they just added two multi-time Defensive Player of the Year winners and two starting corners. Even if Donald’s sack numbers aren’t what they once were, offenses are still going to have to pay close attention to him, freeing up Garrett and everyone else.
Get ready, NFL. The Rams are already loaded, made the NFC Championship Game last season, and now they have two multi-time DPOY winners on their D-line. With their season kicking off, this L.A. defense means serious business, and they’re looking to win another Super Bowl.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply