Aaron Donald has ended his retirement and will return to the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced Sunday as it finalized its 53-man roster. Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, agreed to a one-year contract reportedly worth $20 million, with potential for $30 million in incentives.
His return significantly bolsters an already strong Rams defense. Donald joins an interior defensive line group that includes Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford. The team also added defensive lineman Ty Hamilton to the roster, while seventh-round pick Tim Keenan III was among the players waived following Donald's decision.
Roster Moves and Surprises
Beyond Donald's highly anticipated comeback, the Rams made several other noteworthy roster decisions. Undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey made the team, capping one of the best training camp stories for the Rams. Bailey, an edge rusher, impressed as a pass rusher throughout camp and in the preseason finale.
However, not all stories had a happy ending. The Rams waived cornerback Cam Lampkin and opted to keep Josh Wallace. Promising running back Dean Connors, who scored three preseason touchdowns, was also waived, though the Rams are reportedly hoping to re-sign him to their practice squad. Defensive lineman Tim Keenan III and edge rusher Darryl Peterson III were also among the cuts.
Several players were placed on injured reserve, including Matthew Caldwell, Justin Dedich, and Keagen Trost. This move opened up a spot on the offensive line for Bill Murray. The team also traded tight end Mark Redman to Green Bay for a 2028 seventh-round pick.
Position Group Breakdowns
The Rams' 53-man roster includes three quarterbacks: Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett IV, and Ty Simpson. The running back group features Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers.
At wide receiver, the team kept seven players: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and CJ Daniels. The addition of Atwell via trade had previously created depth concerns, but Daniels, a sixth-round pick, also made a strong case for a roster spot with his preseason performance.
The tight end room has five players: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson, and Max Klare. The offensive line group consists of nine players, including Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Dylan McMahon, and Bill Murray, with uncertainty remaining around Jackson's availability.
The defensive line will feature Donald alongside Turner, Fiske, Ford, Davis, and Hamilton. The outside linebacker group includes Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, and Bailey. The inside linebackers are Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, and Grant Stuard.
The cornerback unit comprises Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace. The safety group is made up of Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, and Jaylen McCollough. The specialists include kicker Harrison Mevis, punter Ethan Evans, and long snapper Joe Cardona.
The Rams are set to open their season on September 10 against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.