Donald’s Rams return resets Hall of Fame eligibility clock

His one-year deal can reach $30 million with incentives.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 301 min read

Aaron Donald was set to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2029 had he stayed retired... By returning to the NF Via @MySportsUpdate on X

What happened: Donald ended his retirement Sunday to play for Los Angeles in the 2026 season. Hall rules require a player to have last played at least five seasons before consideration.

Why it matters: His projected first-ballot opportunity in 2029 is now off the calendar. The move also puts him alongside Myles Garrett on the Rams’ defense.

By the numbers: Donald recorded 111 sacks across 10 NFL seasons, reaching eight sacks in eight of them.

What to watch: Los Angeles must integrate Donald into its defense as the preseason closes. His eventual Hall eligibility year will depend on when he plays his final season.

Sources

@AdamSchefter 2026-08-30T21:14:13.759840+00:00

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