NFL Rumors: Why NY Giants should sign Clay Matthews for stretch run

How would Clay Matthews work with the NY Giants defense?

Clay Matthews would be a perfect fit and great late-season addition to this swarming NY Giants defense. The defense is playing its best ball since 2016. They have helped carry the team to their 4-game winning streak.

First off, the Giants’ outside linebackers and EDGE position is in flux right now. The team’s four outside ‘backers to start the season all are on IR or have been traded. Oshane Ximines and Lorenzo Carter are both out for the year and Markus Golden was traded back to the Cardinals.

Kyler Fackrell was placed on IR after the team’s win over the Bengals two weeks ago. He will miss at least the next two games but hopefully will be back for the final two games of the season. In Fackrell’s absence, Big Blue could use another veteran, experienced player. Who fits that bill?

Enter Clay Matthews. Matthews would be a great addition to the team’s EDGE and linebacker depth chart. The team is currently relying on 2020 6th round, 7th round, and Undrafted players at the position. Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin, and Niko Lalos have all flashed and shown promise, but Clay can help push this group over the edge.

Many people will clamor to these young players’ development and their playing time. These players will all get their meaningful and deserving snaps regardless as there is literally nobody else but these three rookies at the position.

However, that doesn’t mean upgrades and improvements aren’t necessary for the group. Jabaal Sheard has made key contributions in the last two weeks, but he has no future with the NY Giants. They would be much better off cutting C.J. Board (who’s only caught 10 passes for 85 yards this year) and give his roster spot to Clay Matthews. Big Blue should look to move on from Board who doesn’t produce on offense and is a very replaceable player.

Big Blue would be much better off splitting time between Matthews and Sheard and giving the rest of the snaps to the rookie EDGE players. Matthews can spend the next few weeks sharing reps with Sheard and then make a decision once Kyler Fackrell returns off IR. At worst, Matthews is a very high-end replacement option for Fackrell. Jabaal Sheard is the current veteran of the group, but even he has never been a premier player. Matthews would bring an edge, nastiness, and more pedigree to this roster that has been lacking for several years.

Matthews was a captain for several years and is a great guy both on and off the field. His playoff experience and winning background would provide more confidence and leadership for the young, but talented players all over the NY Giants defense.

Clay Matthews with the NY Giants

Does he fit?

The simple answer is: YES, absolutely. Clay Matthews fits in perfectly with the NY Giants. He’s played for their defensive coordinator before, he’s already lined up next to two of the Giants’ linebackers, and he’s played in a cold-weather environment for basically his entire career.

The Giants have a need at EDGE and Matthews’ resume and proven track record would make him an excellent late-season, low-cost option for the GMen. The deal makes sense for both sides as Matthews can help chase and lead a playoff push along with having a defined, carved-out role in this defense.

It can only be intriguing to Clay that the Giants defense has been playing lights out football lately. He has the perfect opportunity in New York to play his 12th NFL season for a storied franchise, an exciting up-and-coming team, and the chance to both play meaningful snaps while also mentoring and helping out some young, ascending players.

Some people will point out that maybe there’s a reason nobody has yet signed him. It’s likely due to several things such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of face-to-face communication, the inability to travel and meet with teams in person, scheme, and overall fit as reasons for his NFL absence so far in 2020. If Matthews does in fact sit out the rest of the season, it would be a disappointing development for one of the league’s most accomplished and best-recognized players to not showcase his talents during such a unique season.

Fans might complain and say he will take snaps away from younger players. That may be true, but these are all Day 3, late-round rookies the team has coming off the edge. They would be very fortunate to learn their trade from one of the NFL’s best players of the past decade. It’s not like the team has much depth, if any at the EDGE or linebacker position. There is a lack of proven commodities at both positions and Matthews would provide depth at both key positions.

Matthews’ 91.5 career sacks are far more than the rest of the group’s career sack numbers combined. The team isn’t brimming with accomplished pass rushers at the moment. Matthews would help change that and add another very capable body in a time of need and help stabilize the unit.

The NY Giants should be the team to sign Matthews and take a leap of faith and assume he will still be a productive, part-time player. This isn’t like a Conor Barwin, Antoine Bethea, or Jonathan Stewart signing of the past. No, Clay Matthews would come to the NY Giants to make them better and he would actually lead by example both on the field and in the locker room and in team meetings/film sessions. He’d make an impact on the field and likely contribute some meaningful snaps and force some significant plays that could sway a game in the Giants’ favor.

It’s evident what a good, consistent pass rush can do for a defense. It was fully on display this past week in Seattle what a dominant pass rush can do for the NY Giants. Dave Gettleman has made a living this year getting the best out of his 2020 free agents and newcomers to the team. Gettleman maneuvered deals to keep them short-term and affordable deals that are now looking like steals. Clay Matthews would be no different.

Hypothetical Contract: A partially guaranteed $1.5 million, 1-year contract with several incentives to reach more $$ with sacks, playing time, roster bonuses, and a playoff appearance.