The Green Bay Packers drafted a long-haired linebacker out of USC with the 26th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. This player turned out to be one of the most feared defensive players of this generation. Clay Matthews has been terrorizing quarterbacks for a decade now, and he just finished the last year of his 5-year, $66 million contract with the Packers.
With Matthews hitting the open market, a big question remains: will the Packers bring their longtime linebacker back to Green Bay? Like any other decision, there is a long list of pros and cons. Here are just a few to consider as you keep an eye on Matthews.
Pro: Mentor to Next Generation
There is no question that Matthews is a veteran that new players will listen to. He is one of the best linebackers of this generation, and has a lot to teach incoming players.
The Packers have a 25-year old linebacker in Blake Martinez who finished with 144 tackles last season. Re-signing Matthews will give Martinez someone to learn further from. Also, the Packers are weak at the linebacker position. They went out and signed Preston Smith from the Redskins; however, Smith serves as more of an edge rusher. Matthews will solidify the position opposite of Smith with someone who can be trusted.
Con: Age
Let's face it, time is not on Matthews' side. He will be 33-years old once the season begins, and it will be his 11th in the league. His body has been through it all. Matthews' durability has not taken a hit, but his production has. Over the last two seasons, the linebacker has player 30 games. In those games, he has 86 total tackles with 11 sacks. This is far from the production of his earlier years when he was a double-digit sack guy in his sleep.
This is nothing to be ashamed of for Matthews, but age is something to keep an eye on for Green Bay.
Pro: Legacy in Green Bay
Matthews made an immediate impact in Green Bay. The late-round pick out of USC exceeded everyone's expectations by a long shot.
He has played a total of 143 games in a Packer uniform, recording 83 career sacks. His production cannot be questioned.
Matthews has been more than just incredible production on the field — he has been a brand. He has sported long, blonde hair since he has entered the league. This gave fans a chance to wear something else on their heads other than cheese.
Matthews also has a well-known sack celebration. Everyone can see the vision of Matthews flexing his enormous biceps then spreading his arms wide open after smashing a quarterback.
He also will not be an expensive player. Fans would be happy to have one of their favorite players back in Green Bay to finish his career.
Con: Target on his Back?
This may seem insignificant, but we cannot forget how horrible NFL officiating has become. A referee can change a game with just one call, and no one knows this better than Matthews.
In a Week 2 matchup with the Vikings, Matthews was called for a phantom roughing the passer call on a play that would have been a game-winning interception. After the game, Matthews spoke on the direction of the league, calling it “soft.”
The next week, Matthews was flagged again during a game in Washington. This is not an issue with his play, but can a mediocre Green Bay defense afford to have yet another factor working against them?
Final Analysis
At the end of the day, this is a move that Green Bay has to get done. Matthews has been a generational player for the Packers. It would not be right to see him finish his stellar career in another uniform. With all things considered, such as money, production, and legacy, it is only right that Matthews wears the green and yellow for his final seasons in the NFL.
Follow Us
Subscribe