Aaron Donald is back. The 35-year-old defensive end unretired Sunday, signing a one-year deal worth $20 million to rejoin the Rams. It's a low-risk move for Los Angeles, which gets arguably the best pass rusher of this generation on a prove-it contract.
Donald retired last offseason after 10 seasons in LA. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, made eight first-team All-Pro teams, and was a centerpiece of the Rams' 2022 Super Bowl run. His departure left a massive hole on the defensive line, one the team couldn't adequately fill.
The Rams must have convinced him they're built to compete now. Donald called the team "complete," which matters. He could've chased money elsewhere. Instead he's betting on the roster around him, presumably the offense and secondary, to turn this season into a playoff run.
The injury risk is real at his age. So is the question of whether he's still the disruptive force that terrorized quarterbacks for a decade. But the Rams didn't sign him to be a depth piece. They brought him back because they believe their championship window is still open and Donald can help close it.