The Los Angeles Rams may have just created the most terrifying defensive duo in the NFL.
After already making a blockbuster move to acquire star pass rusher Myles Garrett, the Rams received another massive boost when future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced that he was coming out of retirement and returning to Los Angeles for the 2026 season. Donald signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Rams.
Now, quarterbacks around the league have a major problem.
Garrett has established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year brings elite athleticism and the ability to consistently win off the edge. Donald, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.
The combination could be devastating.
Donald spent 10 seasons with the Rams before retiring following the 2023 season. During his career, he earned eight first-team All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowl appearances and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He finished his career with 111 sacks in 154 games.
Garrett and Donald also have a unique opportunity to make life miserable for opposing offensive lines. If a team chooses to devote extra attention to Garrett on the edge, Donald could have more opportunities to attack one-on-one matchups inside. If offenses focus on Donald, Garrett could have a clear path to the quarterback.
That is what makes this pairing so frightening.
The Rams were already expected to have one of the league’s strongest defensive fronts. Adding Donald to a group that already includes Garrett gives defensive coordinator Chris Shula an enormous amount of flexibility.
The return of Donald also gives the Rams something they simply cannot teach: experience. Donald has already won a Super Bowl with Los Angeles and understands what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.
Garrett, meanwhile, is still looking for his first Super Bowl championship.
Now, the two stars will have a chance to chase it together.
There are questions surrounding Donald’s return after spending two seasons away from football, and Garrett is currently dealing with a knee issue that has kept him out of practice. Still, if both players are healthy and close to their previous form, the Rams could have one of the most dominant defensive combinations in football.
Los Angeles has already been viewed as one of the NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders. With Donald and Garrett leading the defensive line, the Rams have gone from dangerous to downright terrifying.
The NFL may have a new defensive nightmare on its hands.
