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Rams43
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.
Thanks for the compliments. You bring up valid points too which I will address.
But first, I want to address the biggest point of disagreement I have with those who are arguing the side for salary temperence.
Everyone keeps mentioning his position of DT. If a DT is rushing the passer equal to or better than elite edge defenders, shouldn’t he be paid like an edge defender? IOW, at that level of production, the DT position becomes moot IMO. Besides I already showed that DT salaries are very close to edge defender salaries.
The reality is, AD is producing like an elite edge defender. Only Miller and Mack were superior pass rushers in the last two seasons and it is arguable whether they are superior. So in fairness, the position label must come off.
I agree that when Suh got his contract a few years ago he was slightly overpaid. But given that the salary cap has been escalating rapidly, Donald would not be overpaid if he got a similar contract. For one Donald is better and two the salary cap has increased by about 18% since Suh got paid.
All that said, I agree that a valuation must be made and at some point the salary number wouldn’t make sense. Personally, I have $20 mil. in mind. And if the guaranteed money is right, maybe a tad less. He should have to give up something for getting guaranteed money earlier. That’s really the only incentive for the Rams to lock him up now.
We may differ some however when it comes to ramifications or personnel consequences. I am of the belief that quality of player far exceeds quantity. If at all possible, I pay a future HOF’er.
The Tru’s, Austin’s, Ogletree’s, Joyner’s, and Alexander’s of the world are far lower on my priority list since none of them are elite, let alone HOF caliber.
If I have to give up a quality starter or two to retain elite QB or HOF caliber player at some other impact position, I make that move every day. If you follow winning teams, quality starters are not the pathway that got them rings. It’s generally impact from elite level players.
Of course there are limits. If the dude is being unreasonable like saying I won’t take less than $25 mil. – which is elite QB money – than another strategy is warranted.
