Overview
- The Rams announced Sunday that Aaron Donald has ended a 2½‑year retirement and signed a one‑year contract reported at $20 million with up to $10 million in playoff incentives.
- Donald completed two league‑reported tryouts with the team in August and joined a light practice on the day of the announcement, but the Rams have not decided whether he will play in the Sept. 10 season opener in Melbourne.
- Pairing Donald with recent acquisition Myles Garrett creates a pass‑rush duo that analysts and bettors say makes the Rams clear Super Bowl favorites on paper.
- The club had to rework contract details and salary‑cap mechanics to fit Donald back onto the roster after he left with one season remaining on his prior deal, and coaches plan to manage his snaps to limit contact early.
- Donald’s return resets the five‑year Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility clock that would have begun after his earlier retirement and shifts public and commercial attention to his on‑field comeback and off‑field brand activity.