Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins are top-6 at their position in the NFL, which is pass-rushing OLB. They may be behind Donald, but not by that much - and they certainly weren't when they were traded.
Asante Samuel was a top-5 CB - not re-signed.
Mike Vrabel was a difference-making LB - traded.
Richard Seymour was one of the best 3-4 DEs in the game - traded.
Ty Law was probably the best CB in the NFL - gone.
Lawyer Milloy, BELOVED by the team and perhaps the best SS in the NFL - cut.
Donald is a beast. Again, I think he's the best player in the NFL. But I couldn't fathom Bill Belichick paying him Von Miller money - or anyone.
Except maybe a really, really great fullback who also plays gunner on kickoffs.