The Los Angeles Rams have experienced some major turnover this offseason in an effort to shore up some much-needed cap space.
Among the notable releases they made was that of running back Todd Gurley and linebacker Clay Matthews. The pair have since not been very shy about making sure the Rams pay their debt.
Gurley had taken to Twitter to request his due and proper from Los Angeles, which was subsequently followed up by a response from Matthews that included much of the same. It appears the latter has since opted to take action.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Matthews has filed a grievance over $2 million in unpaid guarantees:
Clay Matthews is filing a grievance over $2M in unpaid guarantees from the Rams, according to sources. He's submitted paperwork with the NFLPA, which will handle his filing. Matthews & Todd Gurley vented frustrations about non-payments, and Matthews is doing something about it
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2020
Although Matthews has kickstarted his efforts to get the money, there has yet to be any word from Gurley’s camp that he plans on doing the same. However, this could be attributed to the fact that he has since agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million with the Atlanta Falcons.
Meanwhile, Matthews continues to test the waters of free agency following his release. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen whether or not Los Angeles will be obligated to pay him out.
Reports indicate that the language of the contract provides the Rams with some security in the situation. The $2 million owed to Matthews could be offset if he signs with another team this offseason. If he were to sign a veteran’s minimum with a different team, then it would be taken out of what is owed while any deal worth over $2 million would clear their debt altogether.
The question now likely comes down to what the market for Matthews looks like at this point in the offseason. It is no secret that he has been in the final stretch of his career and his playing days appear to be numbered heading into the 2020 NFL season. This could be even more of a reason for him to make sure he collects his due while he still can.
It will be interesting to see if Matthews’ actions potentially spur Gurley to do the same if his deal with the Falcons goes under. Although both sides have agreed to terms, he still has yet to take his physical likely due to the restrictions placed by the league in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
