Clay Matthews had no desire to leave the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately for the six-time Pro Bowler, the Packers had something else in mind.
The Pack made no real effort to keep Matthews in the fold once he hit free agency.
“We’d had some negotiations throughout the latter part of the (2018)] season,” Matthews told the NFL Network. “Talks between my agent and the G.M. (Brian Gutekunst). It had been awhile since a, some people say ‘older’, I say an accomplished, veteran pass rusher, hit the market. Prorobably not since DeMarcus Ware left Dallas (in 2014). So we said, ‘Alright, we’re gonna hit the market and kind of see what the value is.’ And then the Packers were on board, going, ‘Alright . . . then we’ll figure something out.’”
THREAD 1) Clay Matthews insists he isn't bitter, that he has no ill feelings toward the Packers. He says playing for the Rams "feels like this is where I'm supposed to be"…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) August 26, 2019
Except they didn’t figure it out and instead signed Za-Darius Smith and Preston Smith, effectively shutting the door on Matthews. Luckily, the NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams had an opening.
“I was kind of taken aback, because I thought I’d always be back there (with Green Bay), whether it was at a cheaper price (or not),” Matthews said. “So that was kind of a shock …People say, ‘You chose to go to L.A.’ I didn’t choose. They told me there was no room for me.”
Matthews is a former All Pro and Super Bowl champion. He was originally a first round draft pick in 2009 by the Packers out of USC. Last year he recorded 43 tackles, seven for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Josh Carraway and Aaron Nearly likely out for the season
The Los Angeles Rams got through the preseason (so far) without losing any starters. The same can’t be said for their reserves. Pass rusher Josh Carraway tore his Achilles and will miss all the 2019 season.
Rams LB Josh Carraway tore his Achilles vs. Denver, and C Aaron Neary fractured his ankle and will require surgery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2019
Offensive lineman Aaron Neary suffered a broken ankle and is out indefinitely. He’ll for sure be on Injured Reserve before next weekend, even if he can come back this season.
