Aaron Rodgers’ dream of a Packers-Clay Matthews reunion won’t happen

Aaron Rodgers’ plea to get Clay Matthews back on the Packers has fallen on deaf ears apparently. It’s not happening, according to GM Brian Gutekunst.

Aaron Rodgers had success engineering a reunion with wide receiver Randall Cobb. It would seem another attempt to bring back a former teammate won’t have the same happy ending.

Over the weekend, Rodgers, Cobb and left tackle David Bakhtiari posted photos on their Instagram stories campaigning for the Packers to bring back Clay Matthews III.

However, when asked about the situation on Sunday, general manager Brian Gutenkunst shot down any talk that Green Bay is discussing the possibility with Matthews.

So that’s that.

The Packers are not talking to Clay Matthews III about a reunion

Matthews last played in 2019 for the Rams, featuring in 13 games with 37 total tackles and eight sacks. However, Los Angeles released him in 2020 and he didn’t sign with another team that season.

Rodgers’ interest in bringing back Matthews is obvious. The two played together for a decade in Green Bay. They won a Super Bowl and had immense success.

Matthews was a seven-time Pro Bowler and one of the key figures on the Packers defense for years. His role changed depending on the needs of the scheme. He thrived all the same.

On one hand, Matthews is now 35 years old and more than a year removed from the game. His potential to impact Green Bay in a positive way may be limited.

On the other hand, Matthews could make a difference to the Packers’ pass rush. Last year, Za’Darius Smith had 12.5 sacks to lead the team. The next most productive pass rusher was Rashan Gary with five sacks.

Regardless of the risk or reward of looking at Matthews, it’s clear it’s not in the cards.