I want him here. But not enough to give him anything he wants, any way he wants it because contracts don't happen in a vacuum. They affect the contracts of other players. Rams are NOT going to go outside the box and set a bad precedent for one guy......especially not a DT.
So let's say he misses the first 8 games. I truly believe that the Rams have the depth to do just fine without him. They aren't going to collapse or look bad for the sake of ONE DT !!
But let's say the Rams are in the hunt for a playoff spot, the offense is rolling, and halfway through the year the Rams get a fresh Donald. In the unlikely event that the Rams are challenging for a playoff spot Donald coming in would provide quite an emotional lift. And, no doubt his presence will elevate the D somewhat.
Good teams work to build in an upward trend during the season, reaching their peak later in the 2nd half of the season as the playoffs approach. Donald coming back in the 2nd half of the season with his body having not played a game would be a pretty good boost.
That said, I have no illusions about the Rams and playoffs. Hard to imagine it. Anything can happen no doubt. Watched the first half of the two preseason games the Seahawks and Cards have played and they are not the offensive or defensive powerhouses they once were. The Niners look absolutely horrible with yet another offensive system and back-up quality QB for a starter. So an up-trending Rams could make it interesting if they come out of the gate fast, catch a few breaks, and Goff steadily improves.
I just can't get all that excited about Donald either way. Yes, it's kinda cool to have a probably future HOF player on your team. But an entire team of very good guys is what wins games and playoffs......not one super guy who plays interior defensive line.
