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ferragamo79
at the time they were considered top defensive players- especially Haynesworth. After both were paid huge contracts, they fizzled out.
Yes, they were both very good defensive players.
But IMO there is a clear distinction between top defensive player of the day and a once in a lifetime, generational player who most already say is a future HOF'er after only 4 seasons unless something gets derailed.
How many players could anyone ever say that about? Not Gilbert, not Haynesworth.
Reggie White is really the only apt comparison between the three names.
Moreover...AD is going to be paid primarily for an elite skillset: pass rushing. That is the highest premium skillset in the NFL today other than QB.
Neither Haynesworth or Gilbert even enter into the discussion when it comes to rushing the passer. Prior to 2008 when Haynesworth mustered 8.5 sacks, which is what earned him the huge contract, he had managed to average 2.58 sacks per season in the previous 6 years. He was more the traditional DT which isn't providing the ultra elite and most valuable skillset of pass rushing.
Gilbert got 42.5 sacks over his entire 11 year career. Donald has 40 in 4 years. RW was a pass rushing monster.
The two guys mentioned are simply not on the same level. It's like if we were comparing Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan with Tom Brady. Both are currently ranked as a top QBs but neither are comparable to an all time great.
Their names shouldn't even be mentioned in the same paragraph. If we want a credible comparison for Brady, then we need to hear names like Manning and Montana.
