Aaron Donald should be just as productive without Ndamukong Suh in 2019

After a career year with the Los Angeles Rams, Aaron Donald will be just fine without Ndamukong Suh on the defensive line in 2019.

Last offseason, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the Los Angeles Rams signing Ndamukong Suh in free agency, mainly because the thought alone of him lining up on defense with Aaron Donald sounded like a nightmare for any opposing offense.

While there was a time in which Suh was viewed as one of the best defensive players in the league, Donald has taken the crown over the last couple of years, and is coming off Defensive Player of the Year honors for a second year in a row.

Originally, Suh seemed like a long shot to sign last March due to the hefty asking price Los Angeles assumed he would be looking for, but giving him a one-year deal worth $14 million seemed perfect for both parties.

After an offseason filled with numerous key moves to put them in the best position possible to make a run at the Super Bowl, the Rams felt the addition of Suh would take their chances to a whole new level.

Yes, there were some concerns over Suh’s play during the regular season at times, and Los Angeles as a defense struggled to stop the run for the most part, but at least the veteran stepped up when it mattered the most in the playoffs.

Plus, after watching Donald put together a career year with 20.5 sacks since Suh’s presence helped take away extra attention at times, from an overall perspective, this seemed well worth it for the Rams.

So with all this in mind, why wouldn’t Los Angles be more open to giving Suh another shot in 2019?

Well, unfortunately the money factor is the main reason why Suh never got an offer from the Rams since the team’s salary cap space has already been tight, and the last thing they want to do is overpay the veteran when the money can be used elsewhere.

As for what Suh no longer being part of the picture means for Donald, there’s obviously no reason for concerns heading into 2019.

Topping 20.5 sacks may sound insane for any defensive player, but also Donald has proven to be one of a kind talent, and if there’s any individual who can pull off the unthinkable by topping those numbers, it’s the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.