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Green Bay Packers: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers lays on the field after being sacked in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers lays on the field after being sacked in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 11: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers looks into the backfield of the Miami Dolphins during a game at Lambeau Field on November 11, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Dolphins 31-12. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 11: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers looks into the backfield of the Miami Dolphins during a game at Lambeau Field on November 11, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Dolphins 31-12. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. Re-sign LB Clay Matthews

Early last season, Packers’ veteran outside linebacker Clay Matthews became the NFL’s poster child when it came how not to sack the quarterback these days. It became somewhat typical to look for a flag almost every time the 10-year pro dropped an opposing signal-caller.

Eventually the six-time Pro Bowler would adjust to today’s adjusted rules. And he would be a 16-game starter in ’18. He finished the season with 43 tackles but recorded a career-low 3.5 sacks. That was good enough for fourth on the team behind outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (10.5), emerging nose tackle Kenny Clark (6) and inside linebacker Blake Martinez (5).

So does that mean it’s time for the Packers to move on from the veteran? Matthews can become an unrestricted free agent on the afternoon of March 13. The team also has some decisions to make on inside linebacker Jake Ryan (who missed all of 2018 with a torn ACL) and veteran defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, whose first season with the team lasted only the first three games.

Will Matthews and his 83.5 career sacks be allowed to test the free-agent market? That really wouldn’t be that big of a surprise. But it also won’t be a shock to see the 32-year-old defender to return to Green Bay for an 11th season.

Next: No. 2

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