When you watch someone play for 10 or so years in a Packer uniform, it is difficult not to be a little saddened by their departure. While not yet cast in stone(to the best of my knowledge), it looks like this past weekend’s loss to the Lions could be the end of Matthews with the Packers – a player that otherwise had a fantastic career with the team.
Clay Matthews had the following to say about the situation:
“Yes, obviously, I’d love to come back and be a part of this team but, at the same time, it’s really not up to me. I’m familiar with the team [and] the city. My kids are doing awesome out here, we love the people, we’re settled here. It would be awesome if we stayed. But, as I continue to say, these are uncharted times and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Coming off, I thought perhaps this could be my last time exiting the field, so that’s obviously a little bittersweet. I made sure to give some fans some high-fives, wave to my parents up in the suite and carried on. The kids will be waiting for me, wife, family, and I’ll carry on as dad.”
The bottom line is that, at the end of the day, the NFL is a business that is concerned with its own bottom line. With a base salary of ~$10 million, this 32 year old OLB is an expensive one. Especially considering his numbers this year: 43 tackles & 3.5 sacks over 16 games. That officially makes this season his worst with the team. He will be entering free agency at the conclusion of this season and it does not seem like he is likely to return next year.
Here is a great fan made video of the highlights of his career with the Packers(a bit old but still worth watching – It has shitty music but that is par for the course on You Tube so nothing new there):
After watching that debacle on Sunday, aside from Clay, it’s hard to name anyone on the field that day that SHOULD be back. Brice looked like Deion Sanders avoiding contact and Tramon Williams has sucked all year. Thought Gilbert would be a factor. Strictly a pre season star against backups. If Kevin (made of glass) King and Alexander come back healthy, we have those two, Daniels and Clark. Other than that, the defense sucks. 50’s not bad, but lots of AJ type down the field tackles. Absolutely no depth and no outside pressure. Fackrell the next Kampman? Please!
Please, I’m toll old to live through late 60’s through early 90’s again. Fix this fucking mess that the old white haired fag created
Clay? Not likely unless he takes a big pay cut. Now his lovely sister Jennifer is a different story. She can stay in Green Bay as long as she wants. She has a lifetime contract. In fact that’s whats tearing me up inside. Not the fact we might not have Clay, but we might not see Jennifer Matthews in GB anymore. Oh god. Please Gute, sign Clay to a 3 year discounted deal to ensure we dont lose Jennifer. Please god!
I always love it when the players say “It’s not up to me”. Yeah, it kinda is if you don’t ask for a shit ton of money based on your past performance from 5 years ago. Although the way the Packers were throwing out money to underachievers…who would blame you Clay. If you want to remain a Packer you can do that, unless, you know, your fam gotta eat. Lord knows those endorsements ain’t paying the bills, amirite?
It’s been a good run and I know he’s a fan favorite…BUT…unless he is willing to take a HUGE pay cut, time to pull the plug. Maybe he could supplement that pay cut with more commercials.
Meh, Clay had his moments in the first half of his career and made a name for himself. The second half has been underwhelming and highly overpriced. Unless he accepts an offer for what he’s worth, it was nice knowing ya long hair.
Who knows, maybe he Clay goes somewhere else and becomes more productive, namely with Kevin Greene. I see that’s where McCarthy is interviewing. I wonder what the relationship with Greene and McDouble is like?
I miss the old CM3 not the over paid under producing one. As a player they know they won’t be around next year. His production fell off more than Peppers. Can’t wait for Mack to get a few years older and Chicago gets to keep paying him.