Green Bay Packers 2019 roster review: Clay Matthews

After finishing with just 3.5 sacks in 2018, what’s next for Clay Matthews?

For a decade, Clay Matthews has been one of the most important players on the Green Bay Packers roster.

But has the three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler played his final season in Green Bay? After a disappointing 2018, and now that he’s set to hit free agency this spring, it’s possible.

Let’s take a look back at Matthews’ season.

2018 season in review

Roughing the passer was a common theme for Matthews in the opening few weeks of the season. He was flagged three weeks in a row for the same penalty, and it became a key talking point around the league.

The first one was on Matthews, but the other two? They were bad calls and came at the worst possible time for the Packers. The officials seemed to be playing flag football whenever Matthews made what looked to be a sack well within the rules.

The timing of the penalties didn’t help. The first came on what would’ve been a game-winning play against the Bears. Instead, it gave Chicago 15 yards and a first down. Luckily the Packers held on for the win.

The following week they weren’t so lucky. Jaire Alexander looked to have secured the victory by intercepting Kirk Cousins, but Matthews was flagged for roughing the passer. It was a very questionable call by the officials, but it gave the Vikings an opportunity. They took advantage, tying the game, which eventually ended as a tie.

But once the penalties went away, so did Matthews’ sacks. He finished with a career-low 3.5 sacks, despite playing all 16 games for the first time since 2015. Matthews only had one sack in the final seven games of the season.

Looking ahead to 2019 season

The Green Bay Packers’ all-time sack leader turns 33 this offseason and is a free agent. General manager Brian Gutekunst has a tough decision to make. With or without Matthews, edge rusher is arguably the team’s biggest need this offseason.

But by letting Matthews walk, adding pass rushers only becomes a bigger priority. But after such a disappointing 2018 season, will another team be willing to spend more money and hope Matthews can reach the level of play of a few years ago?

Matthews could absolutely have a role in Mike Pettine’s defense next season. A switch back to inside linebacker could be beneficial.

But right now it’s difficult to predict whether Matthews will return in 2019. It’s possible Gutekunst and new head coach Matt LaFleur decide to get younger at the position by focusing on strengthening the pass rush in the draft.