Los Angeles Rams: Pros and cons of potentially signing Clay Matthews

Veteran outside linebacker Clay Matthews has been linked to the Los Angeles Rams, which naturally presents its own pros and cons.

One of the biggest areas of need for the Los Angeles Rams heading into the offseason was at outside linebacker. And while the team was able to re-sign outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr, the Rams are potentially looking to add more.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Los Angeles Rams are one of several teams interested in veteran outside linebacker Clay Matthews.

Matthews is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and while the door to return to Green Bay is not closed, the 10-year NFL veteran could return home to Southern California.

A move like this is a polarizing one because of Matthew’s popularity around the league. It also brings its own set of pros and cons.

Pro: Depth at outside linebacker

This one is an obvious one but the Los Angeles Rams desperately lack depth at both linebacker positions. Adding Matthews would give the Rams the depth they are looking for on the depth chart while also bringing in very valuable experience.

Matthews does not even have to be a three-down guy to be successful. He can split snaps with Samson Ebukam or can even play some interior linebacker, something that is possible if Matthews ends up returning to Green Bay. He certainly is athletic enough.

Ebukam is athletic enough to be an inside backer on running downs as well. Whichever way the Rams go, this adds depth not only at outside linebacker but at inside linebacker as well.

Having Matthews on the depth chart is better than having a hole in the depth chart, especially as long as he is still productive. While he is no longer in his prime, he can be productive.