If Philadelphia Eagles fans thought things couldn't get tougher in 2026, it just did. And it's a nightmare returning to the NFL.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Rams are bringing back Aaron Donald to a one-year, $20 million contract. Incentives could make Donald's contract as high as $30 million for the 2026 season.
Donald played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Rams and made the Pro Bowl in all those seasons. He also added eight first-team All-Pro selections, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and won a Super Bowl.
Eagles got a massive Aaron Donald problem to face in 2026
The bad news is that the Eagles will be playing Donald and the Rams in Week 4 of the 2026 season. Los Angeles is loaded with their roster that added Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett to the defense during the offseason.
This will certainly add some pressure to the Eagles' offensive line that is already facing it in 2026. Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens had injuries in 2026 and those are the three Eagles linemen who have been to the Pro Bowl.
It's going to be important for those guys, as well as Jordan Mailata and Tyler Steen, to make sure Jalen Hurts is protected on the line. Donald has not played in several years, leaving some issues to be on the line to make sure they can step up and play well.
For years, the Eagles have been one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but the 2025 campaign brought up some questions. Health was the biggest problem, but the offense was inefficient with the way they played, making things harder on themselves.
The hope is that new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and offensive line coach Chris Kuper can handle things up front. They will be tested early in their first year in Philly, as they develop pass-protection packages to stop Donald from impacting the game.
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This was the absolute worst-case scenario for the Eagles, as they try to make the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. Their comeback story might hit a wall with Donald back with the Rams and Los Angeles as the favorites to win it all because of the future Hall of Famer.
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