Aaron Donald: Madden Rating 27, Did the Rams Sign Him and Why Did He Retire?

Aaron Donald is back in the NFL, and his surprise return to the Los Angeles Rams has immediately created a major storyline around Madden NFL 27.

The legendary defensive tackle retired after the 2023 season and appeared to be finished with football. However, on August 30, 2026, Donald officially announced that he was coming out of retirement to rejoin the Rams.

His comeback also raises an obvious question for Madden fans: What will Aaron Donald’s Madden 27 rating be?

As of August 31, 2026, EA Sports has not officially announced Donald’s new Madden 27 overall rating. EA itself has teased fans about guessing his rating following his return.

Here is everything to know about Donald’s Madden rating, Rams contract, comeback and retirement.

Aaron Donald Madden 27 Rating

The Aaron Donald Madden 27 rating is currently unconfirmed.

Donald was not included among the original Madden 27 player ratings because he was retired when the game launched. EA’s official Madden 27 ratings database is live, but Donald’s comeback came after the initial ratings were revealed.

EA Sports has now acknowledged his return and asked fans to predict his Madden 27 overall rating. That strongly suggests Donald will be added or updated in a future roster update.

So, if you are searching for Aaron Donald Madden 27 rating, there is currently no official launch OVR to report.

Could Aaron Donald be a 99 again?

That is the big question.

Donald was one of Madden’s most consistently dominant players. He received a 99 overall rating in seven consecutive editions, from Madden 18 through Madden 24. His previous ratings included:

• Madden 15: 79
• Madden 16: 92
• Madden 17: 98
• Madden 18: 99
• Madden 19: 99
• Madden 20: 99
• Madden 21: 99
• Madden 22: 99
• Madden 23: 99
• Madden 24: 99

That seven-time 99 Club run remains one of the most impressive stretches in Madden history.

However, Donald is now 35 and has not played an NFL regular-season game since 2023. Therefore, expecting EA to immediately give him a 99 rating would be speculative.

A rating in the 90s would be more understandable initially, with the possibility of an increase depending on his real-life performance.

Did the Rams Sign Aaron Donald?

Yes. The Rams have signed Aaron Donald for the 2026 season.

Donald agreed to a one-year contract worth $20 million, with incentives that can push the value to $30 million.

The agreement brings Donald back to the only NFL organization he has ever played for.

The Rams originally selected Donald with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent his entire first NFL career with the franchise, including its transition from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

Now, after more than two years away from football, Donald will once again wear No. 99 for Los Angeles.

Why Did Aaron Donald Come Out of Retirement?

Donald’s comeback was not something the Rams could simply assume would happen.

Head coach Sean McVay said during training camp that Donald was following a strict training process to determine whether his body could handle another NFL season. McVay initially said Donald was still deciding whether he wanted to return.

Eventually, Donald determined that he was ready.

In his first comments after returning, Donald said he had been in a football mindset for roughly 14 weeks. He also said he believes he can still play at a high level and remain himself on the field.

The Rams’ offseason also provided another major incentive.

Los Angeles acquired Myles Garrett, giving the defense another elite pass rusher. The possibility of playing alongside Garrett made the Rams’ defense even more attractive for Donald.

The combination of Garrett and Donald could become one of the most talented defensive pairings in the NFL.

Why Did Aaron Donald Retire?

Aaron Donald retired in March 2024 after 10 NFL seasons.

Importantly, his retirement was not primarily presented as the result of one specific injury.

Donald explained that he had become burned out and no longer had the same passion or desire to go through another training camp and 17-game season.

He said he felt “complete” and “full” after accomplishing virtually everything he wanted during his career.

At the time of his retirement, Donald had:

• 10 Pro Bowl selections
• 8 First-Team All-Pro selections
• 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards
• 1 Super Bowl championship
• 111 career sacks
• 154 regular-season games
• 543 tackles

The Rams also recognize him as one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history.

Donald had already reached the highest levels of individual and team success. He won the Super Bowl with the Rams in the 2021 season and made the decisive defensive play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

For Donald, there was simply little left to prove.

Family Was Also Important to His Retirement

Donald also wanted to move into another chapter of his life.

When he announced his retirement, he said he was excited about spending more time with his wife, Erica, and their children. His retirement statement made it clear that family and life away from football were important parts of his decision.

After dedicating 10 years to the NFL and preparing virtually year-round to perform at an elite level, Donald felt it was time to prioritize life beyond football.

That makes his 2026 comeback even more surprising.

What Changed for Aaron Donald?

The simplest answer is that the appetite for football returned.

The Rams did not force Donald back. Instead, McVay and the organization gave him time to make the decision himself.

The possibility of returning became more serious after McVay contacted Donald while the Rams were considering the acquisition of Myles Garrett. Donald’s involvement gradually shifted from giving advice to considering whether he could actually return to the field.

Donald then trained intensely to see how his body responded.

By late July, McVay indicated that the situation was trending positively. On August 30, the decision became official.

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett: Rams’ New Defensive Duo

Donald’s return becomes even more interesting because of Myles Garrett.

Garrett is already a 99 overall player in Madden 27, while Matthew Stafford is also rated 99. Puka Nacua is rated 98.

Adding Donald to that group gives the Rams one of the most star-studded rosters in the NFL.

In Madden terms, the Rams are already one of the strongest teams. EA currently rates Los Angeles at:

• Overall: 90
• Offense: 93
• Defense: 89

The Rams’ overall team rating is the best in the NFL in EA’s published team ratings.

Donald could make that defense even more dangerous once EA updates the roster.

Will Aaron Donald Be Added to Madden 27?

Most likely, yes.

EA’s public response following Donald’s comeback indicates that the company is preparing for his return to the game. However, the official OVR rating has not yet been revealed.

That means websites or social media accounts claiming an exact new Aaron Donald Madden 27 rating should be treated cautiously unless the figure comes directly from EA or a confirmed roster update.

His eventual rating will likely become one of the most discussed Madden 27 updates of the season.

Aaron Donald’s NFL Legacy

Even before his comeback, Donald’s legacy was secure.

He finished his original NFL career as the Rams’ all-time sack leader with 111 sacks. He also recorded 176 tackles for loss and 790 pressures during his 154 regular-season appearances.

Donald was selected to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team and is widely regarded as a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame player.

His return does not need to redefine his legacy.

Instead, the 2026 season gives Donald an opportunity to add another chapter to one of the greatest defensive careers in NFL history.

What Is Aaron Donald’s Madden 27 Rating Going to Be?

For now, Aaron Donald does not have an officially confirmed Madden 27 rating.

His history suggests EA could give him a very high rating. He was a 99 overall player for seven straight Madden editions, and EA has already teased his return.

Still, his age and lengthy absence from regular-season football make a new 99 rating far from guaranteed.

The safest answer is:

Aaron Donald Madden 27 rating: Not officially announced yet.

Once EA adds him to the active Madden 27 roster, his new OVR should become clear.

Final Thoughts

Aaron Donald’s NFL story has taken an unexpected turn.

He retired in 2024 because he felt satisfied, burned out and ready to spend more time on the next chapter of his life. Two years later, the desire to compete returned.

The Rams have now signed their legendary defensive tackle to a one-year deal worth $20 million, with incentives potentially taking it to $30 million.

For Madden players, the biggest unanswered question is his rating.

Donald has a remarkable history with Madden, including seven consecutive 99 overall ratings. EA has already teased fans about his Madden 27 OVR, but his official comeback rating remains unknown.

One thing is certain: Aaron Donald is back, and Madden 27 is about to get much more interesting.

FAQs

What is Aaron Donald’s Madden 27 rating?
His official Madden 27 rating has not yet been announced following his 2026 return.

Did the Rams sign Aaron Donald?
Yes. Donald signed a one-year contract with the Rams worth $20 million, with incentives that can take the deal to $30 million.

Why did Aaron Donald retire?
Donald said he felt complete and burned out after 10 seasons and no longer had the same passion to go through another NFL season.

When did Aaron Donald retire?
He announced his retirement on March 15, 2024, after the 2023 season.

How many times was Aaron Donald rated 99 in Madden?
He received a 99 overall rating seven consecutive times, from Madden 18 through Madden 24.

Is Aaron Donald playing for the Rams in 2026?
Yes. He has come out of retirement and is returning to the Rams for the 2026 season.

Who is Aaron Donald playing alongside in 2026?
He is joining a Rams defense that includes two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, creating an elite defensive combination.