Packers Should Bring Back Clay Matthews After Rams Released Him Thursday

Clay Matthews signed with the Los Angeles Rams last offseason, but his tenure in Hollywood didn't last long. Following the Rams' decision to part ways with star running back Todd Gurley, the team also announced its decision to release Matthews.

With Matthews hitting the open market, the Green Bay Packers represent an obvious fit for the 11-year veteran, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the organization.

This move not only will thrill nostalgic Packers fans, but will help improve the defense as well. While Matthews is no longer a Pro Bowl caliber talent, he's still an effective pass rusher, recording eight sacks in 13 games in his lone season in LA.

The Packers are relatively weak at the linebacker position after losing some talent to free agency. Most notably, the Pack's 2019 leading tackler Blake Martinez departed for the New York Giants, alongside Kyler Fackrell. Meanwhile, B.J. Goodson took his talents to the Cleveland Browns.

Despite signing Christian Kirksey at the onset of free agency, there is still room for further improvement at the position.

While Matthews is primarily an outside linebacker, Green Bay may flirt with using him as an inside linebacker due to their lack of depth after losing Martinez. Matthews has played some games on the inside in his previous stint with the Packers, even earning a Pro Bowl nod as a middle linebacker in 2015.

Matthews is past the prime of his career, however, he is still talented enough to contribute to a winning football team. Cheeseheads should be excited if the Packers are able to execute in acquiring the 33-year-old NFL veteran.