(Poll) Should Rams Trade Aaron Donald?
- Thread starter Ramsey
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John Madden once said "great players make great plays". Aaron Donald is a great player. He will soon take over games, just like Warren Sapp used to. The Rams just haven't been lucky enough to take advantage of his efforts. He has been getting sacks and tackles for losses in games they are already losing, or meaningless to begin with. That will change when the Rams are in the playoff hunt this year.
bluecoconuts
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LesBaker
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I'd do that right now if the Redskins GM was dumb enough.
Sapp was really good, excellent in fact. But Donald IMO is already better than Sapp and is younger.
But this is a DT thing.
The year the Bucs won the title Sapp had 40 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And he was playing on a D that was LOADED on the front 7. Sapp didn't change or take over games all that often. Not the way a superior LB or QB can.
jjab360
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Donald is the type of player you build a defense around, the type that takes over games and changes offensive gameplans. I want nothing more than to see him out there dominating games for us for the next decade. The type of difference he makes isn't measured in sacks and tackles, he draws attention away from other players and still penetrates and disrupts the backfield on almost every snap. I don't think the league has ever seen a defensive lineman with his combination of explosive athleticism and refined technique.
It would have to take a ridiculous price involving proven players and high round picks for us to move on, but I wouldn't be unwilling to listen. If we can get a large fortune from moving one asset it's better than just sitting around in this holding pattern until things get potentially ugly.
It would have to take a ridiculous price involving proven players and high round picks for us to move on, but I wouldn't be unwilling to listen. If we can get a large fortune from moving one asset it's better than just sitting around in this holding pattern until things get potentially ugly.
SanAnRam
Just an educated redneck
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Circa 1990 (or somewhere near there)
Dallas Cowboys fan board (yea, I know)...."Trade Hershel Walker, best RB in the game, , best player on our team, what's the rookie coach think he's doing. I want Hershel to retire a Cowboy, gold jack... yada, yada, yada....".
My first name is Aaron.. you don't think I love me some AD!!! But I've been pulling for our team since 1974 (Thanks again @X) and I'm pulling for this new regime and wondering if they can't find a better way to spend 22mil for the next couple years and use a slew of picks (this year's lot is looking pretty damn decent)????? I don't know...
If my namesake gets his ass into camp and they pay the man... GOOD! I'm screaming at the TV and loving his effort. But if they are quietly shopping, I'm thinking that might make a little sense.
Dallas Cowboys fan board (yea, I know)...."Trade Hershel Walker, best RB in the game, , best player on our team, what's the rookie coach think he's doing. I want Hershel to retire a Cowboy, gold jack... yada, yada, yada....".
My first name is Aaron.. you don't think I love me some AD!!! But I've been pulling for our team since 1974 (Thanks again @X) and I'm pulling for this new regime and wondering if they can't find a better way to spend 22mil for the next couple years and use a slew of picks (this year's lot is looking pretty damn decent)????? I don't know...
If my namesake gets his ass into camp and they pay the man... GOOD! I'm screaming at the TV and loving his effort. But if they are quietly shopping, I'm thinking that might make a little sense.
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JIMERAMS
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I'm all for trading AD if he doesn't want to play but this is just crazy talk. Hell NO
RedRam
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Well, one Donald ended his holdout today...
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-donald-penn-ends-holdout-returns-to-practice
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-donald-penn-ends-holdout-returns-to-practice
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I'd rather they keep him - but if he really is insisting on an insane amount, AND if there is a team that is willing to give excellent value - well, the Rams would have to consider it. Most likely scenario for a trade - AD keeps holding out, and a team that has a super bowl window has an injury, and needs an impact defensive player. Suddenly a slew of draft picks get offered (likely late firsts, plus a number of mid round picks), while the Rams are playing decently but still have holes the new coaching staff wants to fill in the next offseason or two. That way the Rams save money to keep a player or two or sign a player or two, and have picks too.
Much as I hate the Patriots - one of the things they do is make sure they have depth all over - excepting Brady no individual player is essential to them, and they are glad to trade players to prevent them from getting holes as players age or get expensive.
Much as I hate the Patriots - one of the things they do is make sure they have depth all over - excepting Brady no individual player is essential to them, and they are glad to trade players to prevent them from getting holes as players age or get expensive.
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Sigh. It's such a tough call for me. He is an absolutely great player on defense. But what good is he if he's not 100% happy to play? What good is he if he's sitting at home during the season?
So, all things considered, and weighing the facts that are publicly known, I'd pull the trigger and trade him now, but ONLY for ALL of the following:
1. A young stud O-lineman (right guard or right tackle) just entering his prime. (with no more than 4 years in the league so far)
2. 2 first round picks in the 2018 draft, and a 3rd round pick.
I'd make the deal if the above could happen. Those players would likely be very helpful towards annual playoff appearances.
So, all things considered, and weighing the facts that are publicly known, I'd pull the trigger and trade him now, but ONLY for ALL of the following:
1. A young stud O-lineman (right guard or right tackle) just entering his prime. (with no more than 4 years in the league so far)
2. 2 first round picks in the 2018 draft, and a 3rd round pick.
I'd make the deal if the above could happen. Those players would likely be very helpful towards annual playoff appearances.
RAMpage28
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I see no reasonable trade that involving Donald that benefits this team.
What even is his value to another team right now? The problem isn't being disgruntled with the team, it's being disgruntled with his contract. He's not going to play out this financially appealing two year deal he is on with some other team. Who ever trades for him will be inheriting an eventual contract negotiation that will end up in the range of 4-6 years and well over 100Mil and about 65-80 of that guaranteed. Suh's was 6yr 114M with about 60 in guarantees. Von's is 114Mil as well but with 70 in guarantees. I imagine that's what you're looking at here. Maybe fewer years, but the percentages will line up. That alone is going to hurt his value and limit who you can send him to. Not many teams are set up to take that on given their current roster compositions.
Which raises the question, who exactly is in the market for Donald? I imagine a team that needs a big time impact player up front that can take their weak line and make it respectable. The only team I can think of off the top of my head is the Cowboys. Their draft capital will probably be late round and there's no telling what they are willing to give up personal wise, and that's with not even looking at cap space issues with both teams.
In a vacuum, Donald is very valuable, but I don't think the Rams are going to see that value. Something can be said for the question of "how much of your cap should you invest in a player that isn't a QB", but that's for another time I suppose.
Donald is an elite talent and while the price tag is going to be pretty damn high, it's hard to justify letting him walk out the door. I mean, we are talking about a guy who, if he stays healthy, is a sure fire hall of fame player. I don't think there is anybody else on this roster you can say that about. To trade him off for a couple picks and a solid vet isn't an appealing option in my opinion.
Those contract numbers are going to hit hard, but it might be worth paying.
View: https://twitter.com/DougKyed/status/805618809990156288
What even is his value to another team right now? The problem isn't being disgruntled with the team, it's being disgruntled with his contract. He's not going to play out this financially appealing two year deal he is on with some other team. Who ever trades for him will be inheriting an eventual contract negotiation that will end up in the range of 4-6 years and well over 100Mil and about 65-80 of that guaranteed. Suh's was 6yr 114M with about 60 in guarantees. Von's is 114Mil as well but with 70 in guarantees. I imagine that's what you're looking at here. Maybe fewer years, but the percentages will line up. That alone is going to hurt his value and limit who you can send him to. Not many teams are set up to take that on given their current roster compositions.
Which raises the question, who exactly is in the market for Donald? I imagine a team that needs a big time impact player up front that can take their weak line and make it respectable. The only team I can think of off the top of my head is the Cowboys. Their draft capital will probably be late round and there's no telling what they are willing to give up personal wise, and that's with not even looking at cap space issues with both teams.
In a vacuum, Donald is very valuable, but I don't think the Rams are going to see that value. Something can be said for the question of "how much of your cap should you invest in a player that isn't a QB", but that's for another time I suppose.
Donald is an elite talent and while the price tag is going to be pretty damn high, it's hard to justify letting him walk out the door. I mean, we are talking about a guy who, if he stays healthy, is a sure fire hall of fame player. I don't think there is anybody else on this roster you can say that about. To trade him off for a couple picks and a solid vet isn't an appealing option in my opinion.
Those contract numbers are going to hit hard, but it might be worth paying.
View: https://twitter.com/DougKyed/status/805618809990156288
RamWoodie
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I'm on the fence at this point because Donald has said nothing. He's a great player but what's enough for him?
In the back of my mind I hope this isn't Eric Dickerson again..a great player who the Rams had to trade because no amount was ever enough.
Donald need to help fans understand...is it money...OR...is it that he wants a trade?
In the back of my mind I hope this isn't Eric Dickerson again..a great player who the Rams had to trade because no amount was ever enough.
Donald need to help fans understand...is it money...OR...is it that he wants a trade?
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Well, let's say Watkins has a very good season and becomes that dynamic player the offense needs.
Let's say Austin makes a bunch of big plays this year and fits in great with new scheme as the gadget guy.
Heck let's say Trumaine Johnson has a great season and the Rams revisit trying to keep him.
Well, if you can move Donald for a couple of 1's and maybe a young player... say a young center and a mid pick or two. Then by doing that along with the cap space they will already have it enables you to re-sign Watkins, Ogletree, Alexander, Joyner, and maybe Johnson, keep Austin, and still add a few quality FA's.
Now, I would like to keep Donald, but logically speaking it's a lot resources tied up in one player (non QB) that could be utilized in many other areas.
Imagine having two 1's in the next two drafts plus your other picks. Could complete OL rebuild (dealing with short term patches now), add a pass rusher, a CB, a LB to replace Barron eventually, and replenish DL depth. Very tempting because now we no longer would need a QB, WR, RB, and possibly safety.
Let's say Austin makes a bunch of big plays this year and fits in great with new scheme as the gadget guy.
Heck let's say Trumaine Johnson has a great season and the Rams revisit trying to keep him.
Well, if you can move Donald for a couple of 1's and maybe a young player... say a young center and a mid pick or two. Then by doing that along with the cap space they will already have it enables you to re-sign Watkins, Ogletree, Alexander, Joyner, and maybe Johnson, keep Austin, and still add a few quality FA's.
Now, I would like to keep Donald, but logically speaking it's a lot resources tied up in one player (non QB) that could be utilized in many other areas.
Imagine having two 1's in the next two drafts plus your other picks. Could complete OL rebuild (dealing with short term patches now), add a pass rusher, a CB, a LB to replace Barron eventually, and replenish DL depth. Very tempting because now we no longer would need a QB, WR, RB, and possibly safety.
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You're going to spend as much on two quality FAs (if not more) than you would on Aaron Donald. You're overstating what we gain.
Imagine having two 1s? Why? So we can try and draft another Aaron Donald? The odds of that happening are extremely slim. On the other hand, we can just keep Aaron Donald instead of hoping to win the lottery again. First round picks aren't a guarantee of anything.
I really am baffled by this type of thinking. People want to throw big money at good players, but they aren't accepting of throwing big money at our HOF-level talent.
RAMpage28
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Sort of a "Bird in one hand" situation. People looking at potential gain instead of what is being given up in order to even ATTEMPT to get "better" value.
Why try to hit on 2 firsts (which I doubt will even be able to be acquired) when you have already hit HUGE with the player you're giving away?
And I imagine only a team in contention will want to part with something close to that, so these aren't even top 10 picks. We are talking pick 20 and above. They have value, but the odds of replacing the value given up are low.
I understand it though. When you look at the potential contract Donald will get it's a tough one to swallow and you can find a lot of reasons to talk yourself out of it. It's a scary amount of money to tie up in one guy, regardless of position. That said, we are talking about possibly the best defensive player in the league. If any non-QB player is worth this money, it's him.