Tag: Clay Matthews

10 free agents the Lions should consider adding

The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.

The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.

Not all the Lions’ free-agent contracts have been reported, but based on our best guess, they have around $12 million in available salary-cap space that they can still spend in free agency. So with that in mind, here a list of remaining free agents they should consider.

1. Kamalei Correa, JACK LB

Correa is everything the Lions are looking for in a JACK linebacker. Comfortable pass-rushing, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage, Correa fits the mold of the hybrid linebacker the Lions have slowly been moving towards over the past two offseasons. As a career rotational player, Correa shouldn’t command a hefty payday, but his experience working with new Lions’ linebacker coach Tyrone McKenzie, could be enough to entice him to sign on with the Lions.

2. Daryl Williams, T/G

I had Greg Van Roten pegged here, but he signed with the Jets last night, so I shifted gears to his teammate in 2019, Daryl Williams. Williams is capable of playing both tackle and guard at a starter level and is arguably the top remaining guard in free agency. He is coming off a subpar year in 2019 and season-ending knee injury in 2018, but in 2017, he was one of the best right tackles in the league. His ability to play multiple positions and win in the running game will appeal to the Lions. He’s capable of starting at right guard on this current roster and should come with a reasonable price tag after his previous two seasons.

3. Shelby Harris, DT

The Lions have already signed Nick Williams and Danny Shelton, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for them to add another defensive tackle. The biggest obstacle for adding Harris will likely be price but if the Lions aren’t interested in adding a defensive tackle in the draft, he may be the most impactful option.

Marcel Dareus is someone the Lions were looking into at the Combine, and Mike Daniels is another option the Lions would consider bringing back, but both are coming off multiple seasons where injuries impacted their availability.

4. David Morgan, TE

My 2016 draft crush, Morgan is a blocking tight end with basketball skills and vice-grip hands that make him an ideal TE3, who could push Jesse James for TE2 snaps. A knee injury cost him last season with the Vikings and the current world situation makes getting him medically cleared a large obstacle, but he’s worth making the effort for.

5. Ronald Darby, CB

Injuries have been a massive problem for Darby and significantly damaged his perceived value. But, he has a history of working with new Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and his above-average cover skills make him a capable starter. He would give the Lions insurance if they don’t land Jeff Okudah in the draft and if Amani Oruwariye isn’t ready for a starting role. If he signs, expect a contract heavy with incentives surrounding performance and availability.

Logan Ryan and Aqib Talib are also starting level corners with ties to the coaching staff but both come with a glaring concern. Ryan’s reportedly asking for a minimum contract that averages $10 million, while Talib is 34-years-old and coming off a season-long rib injury.

6. Breshad Perriman, WR

Robby Anderson is the top wide receiver available in free agency but the cost of adding him would likely force the Lions to make a hard decision on Marvin Jones. Anderson is three years younger than Jones, but he probably comes with a higher price tag as well.

Perriman, whose father had a long career with the Lions, is a tick younger than Anderson, and after tough first few years in the league, has found his confidence. He is a legitimate vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and would fit in this scheme like a glove.

Phillip Dorsett is another vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and could also be in the mix.

7. Dion Lewis, RB

At this point in his career, Lewis is likely a third-down back only, but with the departure of J.D McKissic, the Lions are in the market for one. Lewis is declining a bit as a runner, but he can still be a weapon in the passing game, especially as a pass protector.

Devonta Freeman should also be in the mix, but will likely require a higher price to secure.

8. Josh Kline, RG

Kline was in Minnesota in 2019 but spent his first three years in the NFL with the Patriots. He has always been a solid pass protector, which will appeal to the Lions, but he is probably better suited as a spot starter and rotational player at this point in his career — which may fit what the Lions are looking for.

9. Everson Griffen, DDE

Griffen is one of the top available pass rushers remaining in free agency and even at age 32, is terrific at creating pressure. The Lions would love to get him on their team as opposed to facing him twice a year, but the big question is can the Lions afford him?

10. Clay Matthews, pass-rushing specialist

By the time the 2020 season opens, Matthews will be 34-years old and far removed from his days of glory, but he showed last season (8 sacks) he is still capable of contributing as a pass-rushing specialist. He could fill a void as a rotational JACK linebacker for the Lions.

Texans 2020 free agency target: LB Clay Matthews

The Houston Texans need to beef up their pass rush, and they would be wise to look to outside linebacker Clay Matthews for a boost.

It is no secret that the Houston Texans are in need of some help on defense. Especially with the departure of defensive tackle D.J. Reader, their already lackluster pass-rushing unit lost a major asset. And given the injury issues, their linebacker corps has suffered the last few years, veteran Clay Matthews would be a smart acquisition.

The 33-year-old former All-Pro made a name for himself with the Green Bay Packers after they selected him 26th overall in 2009 out of USC. The long-haired, long-term Packer left the icy winds of Wisconsin last year to return to the sunny shores of LA and the Rams.

However, eight sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 appearances weren’t enough for Sean McVay’s side as they released him this spring. This is where Bill O’Brien should step in.

Houston’s linebacker room is talented but thin and young. A veteran presence would be welcomed and take the pressure off of OLB Whitney Mercilus. While Mercilus had a strong start to the season in 2019, as the year went on the linebackers failed to contribute enough pressure on the QB despite DE J.J. Watt continuously being double-teamed.

Romeo Crennel’s defense mustered just 31 sacks, 26th in the NFL and last in the AFC South, while they ranked eighth in rushing yards allowed in the league with 1,937.

If new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is to tackle these issues head-on, Matthews would be a fantastic addition to the mix. He would give the defense a cool and experienced head to lean on, as well as a consistent tackler and productive blitzer.

Given that Matthews cost the Rams just $3 million last season, the now 33-year-old would likely command something around that range once again if not slightly less today. This would make the hirsute California native a good value addition to a side lacking in big names on defense.

11 best remaining free agents the Ravens should be interested in

The Ravens made some noise in the early part of free agency but could still be looking for help. These 11 free agents could be the answer

With the first wave of high-profile free agents being signed, we now enter the next phase of free agency. This is where the second and third tier of players end up getting short-term contracts as a way to finish out their careers or hopefully rejuvenate them. This is also when the Baltimore Ravens typically are a little more aggressive in signing free agents.

While many of the big names are off the market, it’s these smaller deals that help round out a roster and can actually make a bigger overall impact for a team. For Baltimore, this is where they’ve added guys like Robert Griffin III, Mike Wallace, John Brown and Brandon Carr over the last three years.

So who is still available and who makes sense for the Ravens to sign? I picked out 11 free agents still on the market that could be on Baltimore’s radar still.

Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

OLB Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney was the top free-agent outside linebacker this offseason, largely thanks to so many others getting tagged instead. With such a shallow market, Clowney doesn’t seem to be getting the type of attention he was hoping for, which might have lowered his value considerably.

While the Ravens are a little cash strapped at the moment, teams have a way of finding the money to get deals done when they need to. If Clowney is looking at a bunch of one-year deals, Baltimore being so close to a Super Bowl and having a major need at outside linebacker might be able to boost his value for next offseason.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11

Newly released OLB Clay Matthews makes too much sense for the Ravens

Newly released outside linebacker Clay Matthews is the perfect free agent signing for the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll be cheap and effective

[jwplayer 0S9Pkv8V-ThvAeFxT]

The Baltimore Ravens have beefed up their defensive line with the additions of Calais Campbell and Michael Brockers but they’ve yet to address their top offseason need at outside linebacker. Though the Ravens have used the franchise tag on Matthew Judon, last season proved Baltimore needs some ancillary help opposite him to create a consistent and effective pass rush without having to blitz as often.

With few pass rushers entering the market thanks to the franchise tag, the Ravens have been patient in the early days of free agency when trying to address the position. Now as we enter the second tier of free agents that are better bargains and often don’t count towards the compensatory pick formula, this is when Baltimore tends to be more aggressive. And with the Los Angeles Rams releasing outside linebacker Clay Matthews, they might have found their guy.

The Ravens were interested in Matthews last offseason, offering him more money than Los Angeles but ultimately being turned down. It’s a decision Matthews himself jokingly called a poor one, which points to some potential interest in joining Baltimore this offseason as long as the feeling is mutual.

Matthews is the textbook Ravens free-agent signing. Though he’s towards the end of his career at 34 years old when the 2020 season kicks off, Matthews was surprisingly productive last season for the Rams. He posted eight sacks and 28 total pressures in 13 games, which is actually better production than Judon on a per-game basis. There’s little doubt Matthews could help Baltimore’s pass rush this season, even if just as a rotational solution.

At this point in his career, Matthews isn’t going to get long-term contract offers. And Baltimore doesn’t need a long-term solution either with their attention likely turning towards finding pass rushers in the 2020 NFL Draft. But an incentive-laden short-term contract that would allow Matthews another shot at a Super Bowl at decent money should be pretty easy for Baltimore to put together. Matthews will have a chance to further increase his legacy (he’s 8.5 sacks away from 100 for his career) without having to necessarily play all three downs while the Ravens get the experienced pass rusher they so desperately need.

There are few situations in football that are seemingly built to happen but this is one of them. If Matthews and Baltimore are smart, they’ll figure out a way to get a deal done this time around.

Free-agent OLB Clay Matthews jokes he should have signed with the Ravens last year

After getting cut by the LA Rams this offseason, OLB Clay Matthews joked he should have signed with the Baltimore Ravens instead.

The Baltimore Ravens were hungry for pass rushers last offseason. After losing Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs in free agency, Baltimore tried to find affordable options to fill their roster. One player they showed quite a lot of interest in was outside linebacker Clay Matthews. After the Green Bay Packers moved on from him, Matthews apparently had a choice between the Ravens and Los Angeles Rams.

With Baltimore going 14-2 while the Rams failed to make the playoffs, it seems pretty obvious that Matthews chose poorly.

According to NFL Network’s Michael Silver, Matthews joked that with some hindsight, he signed with the wrong team.

Though some had though Matthews might be on the downside of his career, Los Angeles got quite a lot of production from him. Matthews posted eight sacks over 13 games for the Rams last season and had 28 total pressures.

Matthews could be an attractive option for Baltimore, who still need help at outside linebacker after using the franchise tag on Matthew Judon. While the Ravens don’t have a ton of salary-cap space currently, according to Over The Cap, Matthews is likely to be signed on a cheap short-term deal anyway.

Matthews signed a team-friendly contract with Los Angeles last year that ultimately turned into a one-year deal when they cut him. He only ended up being a $3.5 million cap hit for 2019, according to OTC. More importantly to Baltimore is that by the Rams cutting him, he won’t count against the compensatory pick formula which the Ravens love to game for additional picks.

With Baltimore’s need and Matthews potentially wanting to fix a previous mistake, the Ravens make a lot of sense to land him this offseason.

[vertical-gallery id=43235]

Salary cap implications of Rams releasing Todd Gurley, Clay Matthews

The Rams freed up some cap space with these two moves, but they also took on plenty of dead money.

[jwplayer ngbOBAQU-ThvAeFxT]

It’s been clear for a while now that the Los Angeles Rams would be lacking cap space this offseason, given their top-heavy roster with stars such as Jared Goff, Aaron Donald and Brandin Cooks eating up a good portion of the salary cap.

The team has been making moves this week to free up some money, beginning with the declined option for Nickell Robey-Coleman. It continued with the shocking release of Todd Gurley on Thursday, as well as the release of Clay Matthews.

Much was made about Gurley’s contract being a deterrent in any possible trade, which turned out to be the case. The Rams couldn’t find a trade partner and were forced to release the star running back.

So how does this move – as well as the decision to release Matthews – impact the Rams’ salary cap? It does create some cap space, but also brings on a large chunk of dead money in the next two seasons. For Gurley alone, he’ll leave behind $20.15 million in dead money.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Rams released Gurley with a post-June 1 designation. That spreads out the dead cap charge of $20.15 million over the next two years, which makes it an easier pill to swallow in 2020. With this move, the Rams save $5.5 million in cap space this year. Had he been an outright cut, they would’ve lost $2.9 million in cap space.

The timing of Gurley’s release was calculated, too. By cutting him before Friday, they avoid having to pay him another $10.5 million that would’ve become fully guaranteed at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

And according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, $2.5 million includes offset language, which means the Rams get a portion of his contract back if/when he signs with another team this offseason. It’s similar to Blake Bortles’ situation last year, with the Jaguars paying part of his salary, allowing the Rams to only pay him $1 million.

As for Matthews, his release is much simpler. The Rams save $5 million in cap space by releasing him before 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, since they didn’t have to pay him an additional $2 million in the form of a bonus.

And if Matthews signs elsewhere for $2 million or more – which he certainly should – the Rams will gain another $2 million in cap space.

According to Over the Cap, the Rams have $9.57 million in cap space. That includes Andrew Whitworth’s extension, but not the signings of Austin Blythe, Leonard Floyd or A’Shawn Robinson.

It’s not yet clear how those contracts will impact the Rams’ salary cap because the structure of those deals hasn’t been released, but Floyd’s deal is for $10 million and Robinson’s averages $8.5 million per year.

Ignoring those contracts and adding in the extra space from Gurley and Matthews, the Rams have about $20.07 million in cap space, once Gurley’s money gets added in on June 2.

Should the Packers bring back LB Clay Matthews?

The Rams released LB Clay Matthews. Should the Packers explore bringing him back? We break it down here.

The Los Angeles Rams made a move of interest to fans of the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, releasing linebacker Clay Matthews after just one season.

Matthews, who turns 34 in May, left Green Bay for Los Angeles in free agency last March. He went on to produce eight sacks, two forced fumbles, nine tackles for losses and 11 quarterback hits over 13 games in 2019.

Could a reunion make sense in Green Bay?

Here are the pros and cons of the Packers bringing back Matthews:

Pros

– The Packers lost Kyler Fackrell in free agency and could use another situational pass-rusher. Matthews showed he still has some juice left in the pass-rushing tank last year.

– The Packers also have a need at inside linebacker, a position Matthews played for a stretch during his career in Green Bay. He’s tough and instinctive and could help the Packers patch the hole for a year.

– Mike Pettine likes putting as many outside linebacker types on the field as possible in passing situations. Matthews’ versatility would fit that idea.

– At the very least, Matthews would provide experienced and quality depth at potentially two positions. The Packers are unlikely to have such great injury luck in 2020.

Cons

– The Packers had a chance to re-sign Matthews at a discount rate last year and passed. GM Brian Gutekunst may have no interest in revisiting the idea.

– More than likely Matthews will be far more expensive than the Packers are comfortable spending on a fourth edge rusher or situational inside linebacker.

– The Packers need to get 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary on the field more in 2020.

– Does Matthews have any real interest in playing inside linebacker? He certainly preferred playing on the edge during his time in Green Bay.

– Is signing a soon-to-be 34-year-old the right solution for the Packers at inside linebacker? Matthews probably won’t be a rangy, sideline to sideline player.

– It’s much easier to age gracefully while playing on the edge. Inside linebacker is a tough position that could quickly grind away whatever useful ability Matthews still has left.

– Can Matthews cover well enough to play inside at his age? He could be a big liability in the passing game.

– Matthews needs 8.5 more sacks to get to 100 career sacks. He’ll want a big opportunity to rush the quarterback in 2020.

Verdict

A reunion would certainly make for a good story, but many of the factors involved make it look highly unlikely, given the Packers’ lack of interest in bringing back Matthews last March and Matthews’ likely preference to play on the edge. The guess here is that Matthews finds a different team to pay him more money and let him play outside and rush the quarterback in 2020.

Clay Matthews fined $21K for hit on Kyler Murray in Week 17

Clay Matthews was fined for the second time this season.

By now, Clay Matthews can probably write checks for fines with his eyes closed. For the second time this season, Matthews was hit with a fine by the NFL – only this time, it was for something he did on the field.

Matthews is being docked $21,056 for his hit on Kyler Murray last week, which resulted in a roughing the passer penalty. It wasn’t overly excessive, but it was unnecessary and late.

The play didn’t have any impact on the outcome of the game, but it did extend the Cardinals’ drive and give them a free 15 yards, ultimately leading to a touchdown.

This is the fourth time Matthews has been fined for roughing the passer, the first since 2016. He was also fined $12,500 earlier this year for a tweet criticizing the officials. At the time, Matthews was sidelined with a broken jaw and the tweet wasn’t regarding a Rams game.

[vertical-gallery id=627791]

History suggests Seahawks could find star with No. 26 pick

The Seattle Seahawks are selecting 26th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, and history suggests they could find a hidden gem.

The 2020 NFL draft order has been set, and the Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 26 pick in the first round.

The Seahawks have selected 26th one other time, back in 2005 when they took center Chris Spencer out of Mississippi – two spots behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers and just before receiver Roddy White and tight end Heath Miller.

However, Seattle is known for wheeling and dealing on draft day, and it is entirely possible the team will move up or down in the draft a handful of times before and during the three day draft weekend.

If they do keep the 26th pick, history suggests they could find themselves a nice player. Left tackle Duane Brown (2008) and outside linebacker Clay Matthews (2009) were both taken No. 26 overall, along with Hall of Famer Ray Lewis (1996) and potential future Hall of Famer Alan Faneca (1998).

Receiver Calvin Ridley (2018) and pass rusher Takkarist McKinley (2017) are two recent players who are both panning out well from that draft slot, and Montez Sweat had a solid rookie season after going 26th to the Redskins last year.

It is anyone’s guess this early in the process what the Seahawks will do with their pick, but you can bet they already on their way toward finding an impact performer who could be around at that spot, or else pinpointing teams they can wheel and deal with to acquire more picks in the middle rounds.

[lawrence-related id=53942]

How Andrew Whitworth, Clay Matthews can earn bonuses in Week 17

Andrew Whitworth and Clay Matthews have a lot to play for on Sunday.

The Rams are trying to finish the 2019 season with a winning record by beating the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, and doing so will earn Andrew Whitworth a nice check. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Whitworth will earn an additional $500,000 if the Rams beat the Cardinals in Week 17, finishing the year with nine wins.

It’d be a good bonus for Whitworth in an otherwise disappointing season for the Rams. He started the year off slow, but he’s turned things around and returned to his usual level of play as an above-average left tackle.

He’s not the only player who can earn a bonus on Sunday, either. Clay Matthews needs only a half-sack to reach 8.5 on the year, which will trigger an additional incentive. He’s already earned $750,000 for recording eight sacks, and one more will give him another $250,000.

Matthews has had a renaissance season in 2019, playing well for the Rams despite missing three games with a broken jaw. He’s recorded eight sacks after putting up only 3.5 last season with the Packers, his most sacks in a year since he had 11 in 2014.

[vertical-gallery id=627489]