Despite initially announcing his retirement in March 2024 after spending 10 seasons in the NFL, Aaron Donald has now agreed to a one-year, $20 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Rams.
The move immediately transforms an already dangerous roster into a superteam. Donald’s return is sure to lead to sleepless nights for offensive coordinators across the league, but Denver Broncos legend Shannon Sharpe is offering a blueprint for how offenses can slow down Los Angeles this year.
Shannon Sharpe Sounds Alarm on Rams’ Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett Superteam
The Rams’ blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett in June sparked widespread speculation about whether Donald could eventually make a comeback. After months of rumors, Donald made those discussions a reality by ending his two-year retirement.
On paper, the Rams’ front office has gone all-in. Featuring an offense loaded with star power and a defense led by two generational pass rushers, Los Angeles enters the season as the leading Super Bowl favorite.
During an episode of his Nightcap podcast, Sharpe acknowledged the overwhelming talent assembled in Los Angeles, admitting that rival teams’ worst nightmare had become reality. However, the Hall of Fame tight end also detailed how opposing teams can attack and potentially neutralize the Rams’ star-studded defense.
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“Matthew Stafford, Puka (Nacua), Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, they’re loaded. But to answer y’all questions, how do you do it? You run them out of it,” Sharpe said.
“They want to pin their ears back, Ocho, and come attack your quarterback. If you cannot run the ball on them, you cannot beat the Rams. You have got to make them catch,” he added.
Aaron Donald is back and the Big 3 say the Rams are looking real scary heading into the season 👀
“Everyone’s worst nightmare became a reality today.”@ShannonSharpe | @ochocinco | @TheJoeJohnson7 | #Nightcap pic.twitter.com/Umpux0RL9Z
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) August 31, 2026
Garrett enters the 2026 season carrying massive momentum after winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025. His dominant performance saw him rank No. 1 in PFN’s NFL Edge Rusher Impact Ranking.
Donald, meanwhile, spent the first decade of his career with the Rams after being selected No. 13 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. The legendary defensive tackle played a central role in Los Angeles’ Super Bowl LVI championship at SoFi Stadium.
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Donald’s return puts him back in the national spotlight. Following his decision to come out of retirement, the veteran star rocked his iconic No. 99 jersey and participated in the Rams’ practice for the first time since 2023.
When he ultimately plays, he could join Deion Sanders as the only five-time First-team All-Pros to return to the NFL after a 750-plus-day absence.
The spotlight now shifts to the field to determine whether Donald and Garrett will destroy opposing game plans or whether rival offenses can follow Sharpe’s advice, establish the run, and keep the Rams’ pass rush at bay.
