The Los Angeles Rams are taking major steps toward freeing up cap space. After releasing Todd Gurley, the team is also parting ways with veteran pass rusher Clay Matthews. They announced his release shortly after Gurley was cut.
Matthews was signed to a two-year deal last offseason but was owed a $2 million bonus on Friday. By releasing him before 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, they save that money and gain $3.75 million in cap space for 2020.
Matthews had eight sacks last season, recording 37 tackles in 13 games.
The Rams will now rely on younger pass rushers such as Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam to replace Matthews. Leonard Floyd is expected to fill in for Dante Fowler Jr., who signed with the Falcons.