By: Matt Bove
After weeks of speculation, the Packers have signed one of their two superstars to a mega contract.
According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein, the Packers and linebacker Clay Matthews have reached an agreement on a five-year extension worth $66 million, which will make Matthews the highest paid linebacker in the league, surpassing Demarcus Ware. Matthews tweeted out a photo of himself signing the contract extension with the team.
"Trivial amongst the most recent trivial news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay." Matthews wrote.
The Packers traded up to the 26th overall pick to select Matthews out of Southern California in the 2009 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Packers, Matthews has 42.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions.
"Clay has been a productive member of our team and we are pleased to be able to come to an agreement that will extend his Packers career," Packers GM Ted Thompson told Tom Silverstein.
Matthews was heading into the final year of his rookie deal and was scheduled to make $.373 million, so the Packers urgently needed to sign him long term to avoid having him hit the open market. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely be next to sign a mega deal that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history.
This five-year extension is in addition to the year remaining on Matthews' original deal, which means that Matthews is now signed through the 2018 season.
No comments:
Post a Comment