Three Packers superstars took to social media last night in what seems like a recruiting ambush. Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and David Bakhtiari posted on their respective Instagram stories last night seemingly trying to lure Clay Matthews back to Green Bay.
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/2f7y2NjHXA
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 14, 2021
The post started with Randall Cobb posting a picture of Clay Matthews rocking the Green and Gold saying “Sup?.” This is similar to something he posted for Jordy Nelson when he got back to Green Bay. The post was then reposted by Aaron Rodgers saying “Bring Him Back.” David Bakhtiari also reposted the image. Clay Matthews also took to social media to respond to his former teammates.
Clay looking on lol https://t.co/aI3rw0m2LB pic.twitter.com/AMoj3YjhUV
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 14, 2021
Possible or Not
A couple of months ago many would simply say that the Packers have moved on from Matthews and are set at outside linebacker going into the season. However, they would’ve said the same for Randall Cobb. Clearly, something has changed in the front office’s decision making and it’s obvious. They are trying to build a winning football team while also pleasing Aaron Rodgers. This doesn’t sound like it’s anything unusual, but, considering the concerns, Rodgers raised after missing the offseason, it is.
Like Randall Cobb, Matthews plays a position that Green Bay is pretty crowded at. Matthews would be joining Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and, the ascending star, Rashan Gary. However, similar to Randall Cobb, Matthews would provide another veteran voice in the room. When Brian Gutekunst spoke after the Randall Cobb trade he mentioned that Cobb was a player they would not have pursued if it wasn’t for Aaron Rodgers. This could fall under the same category
Stats
Clay Matthews put up outstanding numbers during his career in a Packers’ uniform.
- 137 Starts
- 482 Tackles
- Six Interceptions
- 15 Forced Fumbles
- Three Touchdowns
- 83.5 Sacks
- 121 Tackles for a Loss
Although Matthews declined his last three seasons in Green Bay he is the franchise all-time sack leader. He recorded eight sacks with the Rams in 2019. Matthews did not play in 2020 but has not retired. Even if Matthews has a little juice left it would seem right to let him come back and finish his career as a Packer.
Overall
The Packers are in an interesting position. They basically said publicly that they are willing to make moves in order to make Aaron Rodgers happy. Now that Rodgers has said he wants to bring Clay Matthews back what does the front office do? Clay Matthews can still be a productive player and provide another veteran on defense. Matthews is a free agent so he can sign with the team without the team having to give up future assets in a trade.
As Always
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