The Green Bay Packers have signed LB Clay Matthews to a contract extension. The signing was announced Wednesday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.
Matthews, who was drafted out of Southern California in the first round (No. 26 overall) by the Packers with the second of their two first-round selections in 2009, is the only player in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons in the league (2009-12). He has registered 42.5 sacks since entering the league in '09, ranking No. 5 in the NFL over that span, and has finished in the top five in the league in sacks two of the last three seasons (13.5 in 2010, 13 in 2012).
"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," Thompson said.
Matthews ranks No. 5 in team history (since 1982) with the 42.5 career sacks and No. 2 in franchise postseason annals with 7.5 career sacks. He has registered three 10-sack seasons (No. 3 in team history) and two or more sacks in nine games (No. 5 in franchise history).
"Congratulations to Clay, who has quickly developed into a core member of our team," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "His accomplishments and the example he sets on and off the field will be vital to our continued success. We look forward to the rest of his Packers career."
Matthews has played in 58 games during his four seasons in the league with 55 starts and has recorded 270 tackles (191 solo), four interceptions (two TD returns), 23 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a TD). Related links
