Packers Sign LB Clay Matthews To A Five-Year Extension

Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement in principle with OLB Clay Matthews.

• Tom Silverstein reports that Matthews’ extension is worth $66 million in total and will keep him under contract through the 2019 season.
• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Matthews’ extension will include “about” $31 million guaranteed. He’ll also receive a staggering $27 million in the next 12 months.
• Jay Glazer reports that Matthews receives a five-year extension that will pay him north of $13 million per year.
• Matthews has since tweeted out an image of him signing his new contract.

“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,” said Packers GM Ted Thompson.

Matthews, 26, will now be among the highest paid linebackers in the league. For the sake of perspective, DeMarcus Ware received $40 million guaranteed from the Cowboys a few years ago.

Green Bay had been saving over $17 million in cap space to lockup their Matthews and QB Aaron Rodgers, who figures to be next up in regards to a new contract. There’s a good chance that Rodgers deal could be finalized in the coming days.