Packers 2018 offseason position review: Outside linebackers
The Green Bay Packers need to find an edge rusher that can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Rushing the passer has become a problem for the Green Bay Packers.
The outside linebackers, led by Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, couldn’t generate consistent pressure throughout 2017. Until the Packers fix this issue on defense, they will struggle against top-tier offenses late in the season.
Big questions await regarding Matthews’ contract and how general manager Brian Gutekunst addresses the position this offseason.
Packers should keep Clay Matthews
Matthews’ future is one of the top talking points among fans this offseason.
The All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler has been a key piece of Green Bay’s defense since 2009, and he had a huge impact the last time the Packers won the Super Bowl.
But the 31-year-old has showed signs of slowing down in recent years. Recurring hamstring issues haven’t helped, and Matthews’ production has dropped.
This wouldn’t be such a big talking point if not for Matthews’ high cap hit for 2018. According to Spotrac, Matthews has the team’s fourth-highest cap hit next season at $11.37 million.
If Gutekunst wants to free up some money, he could ask Matthews to restructure his deal. But the Packers shouldn’t part ways with their all-time sack leader.
Matthews is still a positive piece of the Packers’ defense, and one who could thrive with Mike Pettine running the show. While Gutekunst must add more talent around him, Matthews still has an important role to play moving forward.
Packers need a difference maker
That said, Matthews has become more of exactly that, a role player. He can’t be relied on to consistently leave a big impact on games like he once did.
Matthews can still provide sacks, and he may even be used at inside linebacker more often. But the Packers must find a difference maker. Maybe that will come in the draft, or perhaps through a big free agency splash.
Matthews and Perry form a solid pass-rushing pair. The two posted a combined 15.5 sacks in 2017. But the Packers need more depth, and ideally an edge rusher who can hit double-digit sack totals most years.
One of the biggest issues for both of these players has been health.
Perry stayed relatively injury-free in 2016, and it led to an 11-sack season, a career high. But he missed four games in 2017, and his numbers dropped.
While he did still post seven sacks, the second-highest total of his career, it’s not enough to be the team’s top pass rusher.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Time will tell how Gutekunst addresses the outside linebacker position. Will he go after a big name in free agency like Detroit’s Ezekiel Ansah, or will the answer be found on draft day?