Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport first revealed the news that the Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement with their star OLB Clay Matthews to a 5-year extension worth a total of $66 million. That deal has officially made Clay Mathews the highest paid Linebacker in the NFL, and the 3rd highest paid defender behind DEs Julius Peppers (Chicago Bears) and Mario Williams (Houston Texans). He’s certainly deserved it, as he is one of the best in the league in putting pressure on the QB. In his career, he’s registered 42.5 sacks in 4 seasons with the Pack. This isn’t the only major re-signing that management has planned at the moment.
Following the press release of this major extension, an even bigger one is in the works with their elite QB in Aaron Rodgers, as Ian Rapoport tweeted:
Waiting on terms of #Packers/Clay Matthews' extension. Expect in the $13M range. Meanwhile, QB Aaron Rodgers is up next.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2013
This should come at no surprise to any football fan with knowledge of the game. Aaron Rodgers has simply performed at the highest level since he earned his starting position back in 2008, where he replaced Brett Favre in the line-up following his first “retirement”. He’s won NFL MVP honors (2011) and a Super Bowl ring, in which he was the Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl 45. What may surprise a few people, though, is the sheer amount of money expected to be paid for his services long-term.
Numerous sources have been reporting both sides are close to signing a deal which will make him the highest paid player in NFL history. This comes after current Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco recently set the record with his own contract extension signed months ago with the Baltimore Ravens. Make no mistake, the Packers are making a wise investment with their own players, instead of going out to sign every star left and right. Securing 2 of their best players to long-term contracts will allow them to achieve maximum flexibility in the draft, which starts in a little over a week from now.