Packers should consider bringing back Clay Matthews

The Packers should re-sign Clay Matthews.

A year ago, the Green Bay Packers decided not to re-sign Clay Matthews. General manager Brian Gutekunst’s focus was to revamp the pass rush, which he did by signing Za’Darius and Preston Smith.

After a year with the Los Angeles Rams, Matthews has become a free agent again. Now would be a great time to bring him back to Green Bay.

Matthews wouldn’t be asked to be the team’s number one pass rusher as he was for many years, but he’d have a lot to offer.

Matthews could be an impact player in Packers defense

With the Rams, Matthews proved he can still make a difference. Playing in 13 games last season, Matthews made eight sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

The Packers could do with some more depth at edge rusher with Kyler Fackrell gone, and what better player to add than Matthews? An experienced pass rusher, he could be part of the rotation, keeping him fresh and allowing him to make a big impact on games.

Matthews could line up on the edge, allowing Za’Darius Smith or Rashan Gary to rush from the inside. And as we saw in 2014 and 2015, Matthews can also play at inside linebacker, a real area of concern for this Packers defense.

Matthews, at 34 years old, is no longer in his prime but that doesn’t matter. He won’t have to start every game. Instead, he’d be an impact player as part of the rotation, adding valuable depth at a premium position.

His versatility would allow Mike Pettine to use his pass rushers creatively. Imagine a third-and-long with Matthews and Preston Smith on the outside, with Za’Darius Smith and Gary rushing on the inside.

He’d also give the defense another leader, and with Matthews’ familiarity with Pettine’s scheme, re-signing him should be a no-brainer.

Matthews had 83.5 sacks in 10 years with the Packers. By re-signing him to a one-year deal, Matthews could make an impact for this defense and get to finish his career where it started.