The Los Angeles Rams are making another splash. The day after signing Blake Bortles, the team is adding pass-rusher Clay Matthews, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
As Rapoport points out, Matthews was one of the biggest names left on the market. The Rams were desperately lacking outside pass-rushing help at times last season, so Matthews is a natural fit to play outside linebacker.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, it’s a two-year deal worth up to $16.75 million. Garafolo reports that Matthews had larger offers, but chose to go with the Rams to stay closer to home and chase a ring. Matthews played his college ball at USC.
Matthews originally posted about the news on his Twitter page:
Matthews is the latest player to turn down more money in order to sign with the Rams. Ndamukong Suh passed on better offers last year, and Eric Weddle almost certainly could’ve landed more than the Rams gave him at the start of free agency.
Too often, Aaron Donald was a one man wrecking crew with little help rushing the passer. Re-signing Dante Fowler Jr. was a nice step in the right direction, but adding Matthews is huge.
A first round pick of the Packers back in 2009, Matthews has spent the past ten seasons in Green Bay. A six-time Pro Bowler, Matthews immediately became a star with the Packers. His production dipped a bit the past few seasons, and the two sides were clearly heading for a split.
Matthew is still only 32, and should have a good amount left in the tank. The contract is reasonable, and Matthews will fill a big need. Les Snead strikes again.
