How Aaron Donald’s potential Los Angeles Rams return could cost Super Bowl favorites $30m

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Aaron Donald could return to the Los Angeles Rams and form what would be one of the most-feared rosters in NFL history.

Sean McVay is out for revenge in 2026 following the Rams’ NFC Championship defeat against NFC West rivals the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks went on to lift the Lombardi in February, with the Rams responding this offseason through some huge acquisitions.

No expense has been spared in Inglewood this offseason as the Rams have put together what can only be described as a ‘dream team’.

Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has been traded to the Rams and he could soon be joined by legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

However, his potential return from retirement for the 2026 season is unlikely to be a cheap opportunity for the Rams if he does make the decision to play again.

Why Aaron Donald’s return would cost the LA Rams around $30m

The 35-year-old retired at the end of the 2023 season, but he did retire before his current deal with the Rams had expired.

Money had been left on the table by Donald. This is money that Donald could collect if he is to return this season.

As a result of the 10 times All Pro defensive tackle retiring before his deal ended, Donald is eligible to return under the same deal.

Negotiations between the Rams and Donald remain a possibility as it is unclear what capacity the 35-year-old would be expect to return under.

Interesting weeks lie ahead for the Rams, with their opening pre-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs in just a matter of weeks’ time.

Whether Aaron Donald is expected to return to the NFL

Reports have suggested that Donald is more likely than not to return to the Rams this season, but a final decision is yet to be made.

The former defensive tackle has been spotted at the Rams’ training facility in recent weeks as he padded up to test his levels.

Having racked up 111 sacks during his career, Donald is not a player who will want to return at half capacity and look like a shadow of the player who retired in March, 2024.

However, this is a huge opportunity for him to return to the team that is already the clear favorite for the Super Bowl.

Adding to the prospect of playing alongside Garrett, this year’s Super Bowl will be taking place at SoFi Stadium, with the opportunity for Donald to run it back by winning another ring on home soil.