Aaron Donald is a tremendous DT. HOF material, it would appear.
But the Rams will go as Goff goes and not as Donald goes.
The impact at QB is so far higher than a DT that it really can't be said in the same breath.
My point is that building up Goff, doing everything possible to build the O around Goff is imperative. And both McVay and Snead have said that about as unequivocally as it can be said.
But on the D? A great DT does not dictate the direction of the D. You don't build a D around a DT.
Donald is a keeper for sure. But the Lions broke the bank on Suh, and he sure didn't change their fortunes because the impact that is even possible at that position has limitations.
Bottom line: if Donald wants a Suh like contract, then get the most out of him for the next 4 years and be satisfied with what you got. And move on.
A DT is NOT who you want to be the highest paid player on the team.
Don't read me wrong; I want Donald and the man should be paid. But it must be within boundaries set by the HC and GM as to the value of the position and not treat each position as equally valuable such that if a guy is the best at his position that he ought to get a break the bank contract. Donald cannot be paid at what a star QB is paid. When the Pats run into that sort of dilemma, and it is time for the guy to be paid more than they want to pay for the position because they won't get enough impact for the buck, they trade him and get something of value in return. Smart.
