Clay Matthews’ Agent Clarifies LB’s Plans For Season After Turning Down Denver Broncos

With the loss of superstar linebacker Von Miller, the Denver Broncos reportedly looked into adding another former Pro Bowler at the same position: Clay Matthews. The former Green Bay Packers standout played 13 games for the Los Angeles Rams last year.

Miller suffered an ankle injury that may cost him the entire 2020-21 season. He is expected to have surgery to repair what has been reported as a dislocated peroneal tendon. The best case scenario is reportedly a three-month recovery, but it is more likely that he will be out for five or six, costing him the entire season.

The 34-year old Matthews has played a similar pass-rush specialist role at the outside linebacker position throughout his NFL career. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro for the Packers, for whom he played from 2009-2018, winning a Super Bowl. He has 91.5 career sacks, and recorded eight last year, in a pretty productive season for Los Angeles. He was released by the team in April, and has filed a grievance against the franchise for “unpaid guarantees.”

According to Adam Schefter, the Broncos looked at Matthews as a potential replacement for Miller. However, the team was reportedly told he’s “not going to play” this season.

Matthews’ representation is pushing back on that last part of the report. His agent Ryan Williams sent out a statement, confirming communications with the Broncos and other teams during the offseason.

Williams says that while his client and the Broncos did not come to an agreement, Clay Matthews “remains open to playing in the NFL in 2020,” if given the right opportunity for he and his family.

Matthews is past his prime years, but his eight sacks last year were his most since the 2014 season with Green Bay. It would seem like he still has some football left in him, and could be a solid situational pass rusher for a team.

The NFL season begins tonight, with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans, ahead of a full Sunday and Monday slate for Week 1. The Denver Broncos host the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football.

[Mike Garafolo]