What Aaron Donald's return means for Rams' roster (and for NFL offenses)

Were you aware that Aaron Donald was contemplating a return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season? If not, you must live under a rock. Rumors ignited as soon as the team traded for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

The lure of competing alongside another elite defender was not lost on Donald, nor on fans. Of course, finalizing a 53-man roster became that much more of a squeeze with Donald officially unretiring.

This story has been gaining traction for weeks, if not months. We've already speculated on the roster impact of Donald's return. Several names made sense as possible roster bumps to clear space: among them, veteran Larrell Murchison and rookie Tim Keenan III were both waived.

Aaron Donald makes Rams defense one of the scariest in NFL history

Rams fans are no strangers to dominating defensive fronts. From 1963 to 1966, LA enjoyed the historic quartet of Deacon Jones, Merlin Olson, Rosey Grier, and Lamar Lundy. Since the heralded Fearsome Foursome, the team has struggled to replicate their ferocity.

Donald's return certainly gives reason to believe that this could be the year.

He will likely nudge young DT Braden Fiske to a rotational role. The Rams' new Fearsome Foursome has evolved into a Formidable Fivesome. The starting defensive front will feature edge rusher Byron Young and Garrett off the edges, plus Donald, nose tackle Poona Ford, and defensive end Kobie Turner.

All five front warrant double-teaming, depending on the scenario.

Of course, offensive coordinators cannot afford to to double-team more than two at a time. Donald and just about everyone else will benefit as a result. Both Ford and Turner had to fight through relentless double-teams last season.

That will not be the case this year.

Others should benefit as well. Fiske will be better rested in a rotational role. Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart will see little resistance; opposing offensive lines just won't have the bodies.

After all, the 'Aaron Donald effect' helped Turner and Young smash expectations in their 2023 rookie seasons. Stewart, an NFL sophomore, should reap similar results when he plays.

Don't forget about the secondary. As the pass-rush pressures the quarterback, Rams DBs will have the luxury of intercepting throws made under duress. That not only shortens the field, but increases the likelihood of errant passes.

In 1994, the Chicago Bears set a single-season sacks record with 72. Los Angeles appears to have a real shot at tying or breaking that record this season. Time will tell.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow