One of the biggest games on the Philadelphia Eagles’2026 schedule just became even more challenging.
Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement and returning to the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year contract worth $20 million, according to Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter. Playoff incentives can reportedly increase the deal’s value to $30 million.
Donald spent two seasons away from football after retiring in 2024, but the future Hall of Famer will now rejoin the only NFL organization he has represented. His return creates a potentially dominant partnership with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
🚨 🚨 🚨 AD is B-A-C-K: #Rams star Aaron Donald is coming of retirement to play for his old team with a 1-year, $20M deal with playoff incentives
up to $30M, per me and @AdamSchefter. After two seasons away, Donald will play alongside Myles Garrett in a star-studded D-line. pic.twitter.com/2g65n8qI2s
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2026
The Eagles will get an early look at that star-studded defensive front when the Rams visit Philadelphia in Week 4.
Garrett’s presence already made the game a major test for Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Adding Donald creates an entirely different challenge for Philadelphia’s interior offensive line. Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens and the Eagles’ starting right guard will be responsible for preventing one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in league history from collapsing the pocket around Jalen Hurts.
Donald recorded 111 sacks, earned eight first-team All-Pro selections and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards during his first 10 seasons. Although he is now 35 and will need to prove he can regain his previous form after two years away, Los Angeles will not need him to carry its defense alone.
Opposing offenses must determine where to direct their protection when Donald and Garrett are on the field together. Giving additional attention to one could create an advantageous individual matchup for the other.
Philadelphia’s offensive line has consistently been one of the NFL’s greatest strengths. Its Week 4 battle against Donald, Garrett and the Rams’ defensive front could become one of the season’s defining matchups.
The Eagles-Rams game already featured two NFC championship contenders. Donald’s return has added another layer to what should be one of the most anticipated games of the year.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles will face Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett in a massive Week 4 test
