Here’s AvengerRams...
CHANDLER JONES, THE "PATRIOT WAY," AND AARON DONALD
Let me start by saying that I'm still hoping the Rams will be able to reach a long-term deal with Aaron Donald, and I recognize that they'll have to make him the highest paid defensive player in order to do so.
That said, I find the story of Chandler Jones interesting as an anecdotal example of a different path.
Jones was drafted by the Patriots. He played four seasons from 2012-2016, and registered 35 sacks. This included 12.5 in 2016.
As he approached the end of his rookie deal, the Patriots decided to trade him to Arizona. In exchange, they received OG Jonathan Cooper (who had been injured/ineffective during his tenure with the Cardinals) and a second round pick. Cooper never played a down for the Patriots and was let go a few months later. They traded the 2nd round pick for a 3rd and 4th, and ultimately selected Joe Thuney (starting OG) and Malcolm Mitchell (rotation WR/injured in 2017).
Jones went on to have two great seasons with the Cardinals, registering 28 sacks (including 17 in 2017). The team, however, was mediocre, posting a 15-16-1 record over the two seasons.
The Patriots went to two Super Bowls and won one.
So what does this tell us about the Rams and Donald?
Maybe nothing. Maybe this story is more about how good the Patriots are, with or without Jones.
Or perhaps this is a "we not me" story. Could the Rams be better off letting Aaron Donald achieve individual greatness elsewhere while the Rams take a more balanced team-oriented approach to their budget?
As I said, I'm not ready to go quite that far (yet), but it does make you think.
