Once the Green Bay Packers decided to part ways with Clay Matthews for the first time in his career, the Los Angeles Rams wasted no time in bringing him in as a vital piece of their linebacker corps.
Matthews had put together an illustrious career in Green Bay as a former Super Bowl champ and six-time Pro Bowler. Although his production had dwindled during the 2018 campaign, his versatile skillset still made him an integral member of their defense.
It is for this reason that the 33-year-old felt confident that he would potentially finish out his career with the Packers. Unfortunately, negotiations for an extension were never in the works for their front office.
According to Michael Silver of NFL.com, Matthews admits he was rather shocked to find out that Green Bay had no interest in keeping him around:
“I was kind of taken aback, because I thought I’d always be back there, whether it was at a cheaper price [or not],” Matthews said. “So that was kind of a shock, because [my family] stayed out there and had our third child in the offseason, and I was hanging in town training there and everything. And yeah, that was kind of a surprise to me because I just figured I would be out there a few more years.
“People say, ‘You chose to go to L.A.’ I didn’t choose. They told me there was no room for me.”
Matthews also revealed that general manager Brian Gutekunst had no intention of paying him in free agency:
Recalled Matthews: “I picked it up and he just said, ‘Hey, there’s no money for you. I just want to thank you. I just want to thank you for being yada yada yada.’ And, you know, that was kind of that.”
Rather than shoring away some money to keep Matthews around, the Packers opted to spend big on Za’Darious Smith and Preston Smith this offseason. It is safe to say that his departure from Green Bay was hardly fitting for one of the most iconic players in recent franchise history.
Regardless, the veteran now has an opportunity to add to the trophy case with a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the Rams. He is admittedly enjoying all the perks that come with returning to his hometown and the field he played on during his college days at USC.
Matthews’ experience should serve as a tremendous stabilizing factor for this otherwise young group.
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