LOS ANGELES — Aaron Donald returned to the Los Angeles Rams practice facility this week, rejoining a defense that has been significantly reshaped since his 2024 retirement. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, now 35, is gradually working back to form in hopes of reclaiming his elite status, while integrating with a revamped roster that includes several new high-profile additions.

Donald’s return coincides with the acquisition of Myles Garrett, a dynamic edge rusher the Rams obtained via trade this offseason. Together, they create an unprecedented pairing on the defensive line, as both players have recorded over 100 career sacks and achieved 20-sack seasons. Garrett’s presence was a major factor in Donald’s decision to come back, offering the potential for a dominant front in the team’s pursuit of championship contention.

The Rams’ defensive alignment is expected to undergo strategic shifts under head coach Sean McVay and his staff. Garrett typically lines up at right defensive end, while Donald anchors the interior at the 3-technique defensive tackle spot. Their size and athleticism allow for flexible alignments, including stunts and blitzes that can confuse opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. This versatility may pose difficulties for opponents in devising protections, with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s previous deployment of Garrett in diverse roles providing a potential model.

This season also sees the return and continued development of players like Korie Turner and Byron Young, who have contributed consistently in recent years with multiple sacks and impactful plays. Young, entering a contract year, has expressed a desire to elevate his game further and be a decisive force during critical moments.

Last year, the Rams led the NFL in pressure rate on four-man rushes despite lacking Donald and Garrett, underscoring the unit’s underlying strength. However, their pass defense struggled due to limited investments at the cornerback position, a vulnerability opposing offenses exploited through quick passes and perimeter runs. To remedy this, the Rams traded for two-time All-Pro cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jadaveon Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs. Both bring strong coverage skills and run support, traits aimed at neutralizing perimeter threats and complementing the pass rush.

The secondary’s cohesion is expected to improve with McDuffie and Watson anchoring the outside corners, allowing players like Quentin Lake and strong safety Kam Curl to operate with greater flexibility. Lake, a versatile defender, can shift between nickel corner and safety positions, while young defensive back Kam Kinchens is poised to take on a more aggressive role in coverage. Kinchens’ ball skills were evident in college and his rookie year, and he will benefit from pressure generated upfront to create turnovers.

Overall, the Rams have assembled a talent-laden defense that aims to combine clarity, communication, and disruptive ability to stifle opponents. Players emphasize the necessity of consistent effort every game despite high expectations, which include aspirations for a Super Bowl appearance. As Donald and Garrett begin building chemistry alongside returning and new defenders, the Rams defense presents one of the NFL’s most intriguing units entering the 2026 season.