Although Clay Matthews has been known as an edge rusher throughout his career, it seems he will be open to playing wherever the Los Angeles Rams need him.
The Rams managed to somewhat address their linebacker need with the signing of Matthews this offseason. While he is no longer the Pro Bowl-caliber player he used to be, his experience and versatile skill should be extremely beneficial for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Of course, Matthews made his bones as one of the most tenacious pass rushers off the edge. He has indicated that might not always be the case in Los Angeles.
Matthews says he expects to play a number of roles on defense, via the team’s official website:
“I thought when you allow me to play in space, and you allow me to go sideline to sideline downhill, good things are going to happen. So I expect it to be the same here. I expect my position to be fluid. I expect I’ll have a variety of roles,” Matthews said. “But I think the most important thing — kind of what Sean alluded to — is just pressing the quarterback, making him make bad decision, and keeping the heat, keeping the pressure on him.”
Matthews’ fluidity is likely what drew the Rams to want to sign him in free agency since Los Angeles had a number of voids to fill in their linebacker corps and not very much cap space to do it with this offseason. This will provide the 32-year-old with plenty of opportunities to provide the Rams with plenty of bang for their buck.
Not only does Matthews help stabilize things off the edge, but he is also more than capable of playing inside if Phillips needs him to. His flexibility could potentially pay huge dividends for this Rams defense down the line.
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