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.