5 Green Bay Packers' free agents to watch in 2019

5 Green Bay Packers’ free agents in 2019

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 18: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 and Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2015 NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on January 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 10: Inside linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on January 10, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

5. Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews most certainly falls into the overpaid player category at this point in his career. Matthews is making about $11.3 million in 2018 in the final year of his contract. This wraps up the five-year, $66 million extension he signed in April of 2013.

When the two sides agreed to that extension, Matthews was just coming into his prime as a pass-rusher. He was flying all over the field and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Unfortunately, he’s missed a lot of time over the past few seasons and hasn’t reached double-digits in sacks since 2014.

Given the lack of depth behind Matthews at outside linebacker, the Packers might have no choice but to bring him back. Well that’s not a horrible idea, it certainly will be at a price that’s only a fraction of his cost right now. With his inability to stay on the field, the Packers will have a lot of leverage to lower his annual salary.

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