The Los Angeles Rams are heading into what could end up being a very intriguing offseason. After missing the playoffs in 2019 just one year after making a run to the Super Bowl, Sean McVay and company know that they have a lot of work to do. Unfortunately, the money situation in L.A. is tight.

Rick Hammond of The Athletic took a look at the situation that the Rams are in and he has a bold idea that they team could do. He thinks Los Angeles could end up releasing or trading veteran pass rusher Clay Matthews this offseason.

“The more realistic options for the Rams would be linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. Cutting loose Matthews would save the Rams $3.75 million, with $2 million in dead cap. Cutting Robey-Coleman would save $4 million, with $500,000 in dead cap.”

Matthews was signed last offseason after the Green Bay Packers chose to let him walk following the big moves to sign Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. While he may not be what he once was, Matthews is still a quality edge rusher.

In 2019 with the Rams, Matthews racked up 37 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and three defended passes in 13 games. Those numbers show that Matthew still has some good football left in the tank. Releasing him would certainly hurt the Rams’ pass rush.

If he is released, Matthews should have no trouble finding a new home. He may be 33 years old, but there will be teams interested. Los Angeles would likely miss the production and the threat that he gives them.

Expect to hear a lot more information in the near future about the Rams’ plans for the upcoming offseason. Matthews may very well be hitting free agency again this offseason and it would be interesting to see where he ended up.