Two weeks into the NFL’s free agency period and the Seattle Seahawks, despite making a litany of moves, are still in desperate need of some help rushing the passer.
Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent, and one that could still end up in Seattle, and the team did re-sign Jarran Reed while also bringing back Bruce Irvin. However, the loss of Quinton Jefferson is a big one, and even if Clowney comes back this team still needs to find more ways to take down opposing quarterbacks.
There are quite a few options still on the open market, as well as the upcoming NFL draft, but one player the Seahawks should pursue – perhaps to the chagrin of many 12’s – is veteran Clay Matthews.
Matthews and coach Pete Carroll’s relationship goes back to their USC days together, and Matthews spent a decade terrorizing the Seahawks as a member of the Green Bay Packers, where he was a six-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 2010.
He spent last year with the Rams, and despite his advanced age (33) he still managed to record eight sacks, 11 quarterback hits, three passes defended and two forced fumbles in 13 games played – missing three with a broken jaw.
Matthews is not the best pass rusher still on the open market, but if the team is looking for a more cost-effective option – perhaps in addition to Clowney – than he would represent a good option on a one-year, incentive-laden deal.
Seeing Matthews in the green and blue might take some getting used to, but if he can record eight or so sacks again next season – which would have doubled Seattle’s team leader, Rasheem Green, in 2019 – than perhaps the fans will get used to it rather quickly.
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