Quote
dzrams
Possibly so 43. I won’t even debate whether Suh deserved it or not. Instead, I’ll counter three ways.
First, if you take Suh’s salary out of the equation as an outlier, the 2-5 top DTs still have an average salary of $16,290,588. It’s still ranked 3rd and still closer to edge defender salaries than WRs that are a tier down.
This decisively shows that NFL decision makers value the DT position the 3rd highest.
Secondly, what Donald is doing now is superior to Suh.
Suh stat line: 110 games, 47 sacks, 260 Tackles, 2 FF
Donald stat line: 48 games, 28 sacks, 116 Tackles, 4 FF
If Donald continues producing at the same level, at 110 games this is what he would have:
Donald projected stat line: 110 games, 64 sacks, 265 Tackles, 9 FF
And that’s not even counting QB pressures. No DT, including Suh, has even approached Donald in number of QB pressures.
Donald as a DT generated the 3rd most QB pressures in the league at 82. According to PFF, the average edge defender generates QB pressure at a rate that is 1.534 times greater than the average DT because they have more of a straight shot to the QB.
If you translate that out, Donald’s 82 QB pressures is the equivalent of a DE/OLB generating 125 QB pressures which would lead the league. Basically, he’s impacting the game like a top edge defender.
Third, Donald is in the top 5 pass rushers in the NFL regardless of position. He will be paid as such.
Take a look at this PFF article which makes a strong argument that Donald was the NFL’s best pass rusher this last season.
“71 percent of Donald’s pressure was decisive in nature. He was a player that was forcing the issue, and not just benefitting from plays where he was unblocked, or the play was forced his way. Donald was actively defeating blocks and affecting the QB in the pocket more than any other pass-rusher in the league.”PFF: Donald is NFL's best pass rusher
You are a formidable debater, dz.
Moreover, you present good arguments here. Very good arguments, indeed.
Plus, I am handicapped because I just love AD as a player and as a Ram player.
However...
I still question whether we get the best bang for our cap dollar after a certain salary level for a DT, even if that DT is AD.
As to how high is that level? Who knows? Maybe at $20 million? I dunno.
Every fan wants to keep every starting vet no matter what the cost. DeBartolo could pull that off in the precap days, but it's just no longer possible. A decision process must take place in today's NFL regarding critical personnel decisions.
So, how many other quality starters' retention might be jeopardized if they go too far with AD's contract? I dunno, but I think it's a legit question. It would be ironic to have the best DT in the game but be forced to lose 2-3 quality starters at other positions, huh? The Colts ran into this problem with Peyton for years, but at least he was a QB.
I noticed that you didn't take a position on whether Suh's contract represented good value. I think that that speaks volumes. In fact, isn't that the fundamental determining factor when deciding on a player's contract? I don't think Suh was worth his contract, tbh.
For example, what were they thinking when they made the Tavon and TruJo contract decisions? Now the Rams are over a barrel contract wise with both players, although both will be short term problems. Both contracts exceed player value. Both contracts have hampered team personnel flexibility. Short term will not be the case with an AD contract extension. I think it will tie their hands for 5-6 seasons for better or worse. Not that I fear that AD won't play his heart out, because I'm sure he will.
All I'm saying is that there will be ramifications and personnel consequences attached to AD's contract. And that these must be carefully considered before taking this plunge. And that there is an upper limit for any player's contract. Especially for a player that never touches the ball.
Nice discussion, man.