Aaron Donald return to the Rams needs a contract fix first
Aaron Donald, DT, retired from the Los Angeles Rams in March 2024, and getting him back means the two sides have to build a new contract from scratch. Adam Schefter reported that before any return could happen, both sides would need to address Donald's current contractual situation, because all guarantees on his existing deal have already been paid out.
The three-year extension Donald signed in 2022 technically runs through 2025, but with no money guaranteed, it is effectively a shell. It is hard to picture Donald agreeing to come back without guarantees, which means the Rams need to structure a new deal.
What the numbers could look like
No formal contract talks have started. According to the research gathered around Schefter's report, the Rams could aim to pay Donald somewhere in the $8 million to $15 million range for the season, then attach void years to spread the cap hit and avoid touching other contracts. The higher figure, around $15 million, is considered the more realistic target.
What is pushing the conversation
The Rams' trade for Myles Garrett in June 2025 lit the fuse. The idea of pairing Garrett with Donald on the same defensive line is what has unretirement speculation gaining traction. Rams head coach Sean McVay said Donald is going through a strict, regimented process to decide, and that if Donald wants to play, the team will try to make it happen.
Fantasy impact of a Donald and Garrett pairing
Donald has no direct fantasy value in standard formats. But the bigger the Rams' defensive line gets, the more it matters for opposing offenses. A front featuring both Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and a motivated Donald would be one of the most disruptive units in the league. Quarterbacks, running backs, and pass-catchers facing the Rams on the schedule become harder to trust, especially in close games where the defense can take over.
Check the Rams' schedule now if you are deciding between two similar players at the same position. A resolved contract and a Donald return would make those matchup weeks ones to avoid.
