Clay

Matthews

Denver looked into signing Matthews as a replacement for Von Miller, who will miss at least three months with a dislocated peroneal tendon. The Seahawks in August showed some interest in signing Matthews, who was released by the Rams in March. It would hardly be shocking if the 34-year-old Matthews retired.

It would reportedly be a pivot from signing Jadeveon Clowney, whose contract demands remain insistent beyond what the organization is willing to pay. Both Matthews and Griffen were coached by Pete Carroll at USC, so both are familiar with Seattle’s scheme in a pinch. Matthews hasn’t garnered much interest since being released from the Rams in March, so it wouldn’t be shocking if this connection blossomed into a one-year deal. The Packers have also been linked to Griffen in the open market.

The haggling appears related to offset language. Gurley’s situation seems more straightforward than Matthews’. Profootballtalk’s Mike Florio dives into the weeds of the contract language at the link below.

In bad cap shape, this move frees up $3.75 million for the Rams. Two months shy of his 34th birthday, Matthews remained an acceptable pass-rushing specialist in 2019, notching eight sacks in 13 games. That was actually his highest total in five years. Matthews is far more name than game at this point, but he has enough game left to fetch some guaranteed money for 2020.

Matthews was back on the practice field Wednesday. Coach Sean McVay said if things go well, Matthews will play against the Steelers this Sunday. The outside linebacker broke his jaw while tackling Chris Carson in early October. A Week 10 return would fit the reported four-week timeline.

Matthews was injured making a tackle on Chris Carson Thursday night. He’ll undergo surgery and miss at least the next month. Matthews was on track for career highs before going down, posting six sacks and 19 tackles over five games. Losing Matthews is a huge blow to the Rams pass rush. Samson Ebukam will start on the weakside until Matthews returns.

Edge pressure is a big need for a Rams team that is paying Dante Fowler $12 million this season. Fowler has never been a sack master, but Matthews’ addition should help in a big way, even if Matthews is embarking on his 33rd birthday (in May) and coming off a 3.5-sack season. Matthews was near the bottom of Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush productivity grades last season, generating just 30 total pressures on 356 snaps rushing the quarterback. Matthews and Samson Ebukam will team with Fowler off the edge for L.A.

Rapsheet added that DC Wade Phillips is a “big fan” of Matthews, an L.A. native who played his college ball at USC. While dozens of free agents have come off the board in recent days, we haven’t heard a peep about Matthews outside of this report. Clearly Matthews isn’t the dominant force he was early in his career, but the six-time Pro Bowler still has something left and would bring a strong, veteran presence to the Rams’ locker room. The former Packer turns 33 this offseason.

This is interesting because it’s Clay Matthews’ primary position. Perry figured to be competing with incumbent Erik Walden for the starting right outside linebacker position. It’s still early, but it’s possible the team moves Matthews to the right side. Said Perry, “I may play the left side, so we’ll see.”

Early speculation ticketed Kendricks for the weak side, but beat writer Jeff McLane believes he’s the favorite over Jamar Chaney at SAM. Per McLane, the Eagles “love” Kendricks’ pass-rushing ability. McLane thinks Chaney would then “get a shot” on the weak side, but also that Casey Matthews might be given one more chance to establish himself as a starter. Either way, Kendricks should have a starting job come Week 1.