Rams release Clay Matthews

The Los Angeles Rams are releasing outside linebacker Clay Matthews after one season with the team, it was announced on Thursday.

The news comes minutes after it was announced that the Rams were also releasing running back Todd Gurley. The release of Matthews was more expected and saves L.A. $3.75 million.

Matthews joined the team after 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, in which he had six Pro Bowl appearances. He had eight sacks in 2019, his most since 2014 when he had 11 for Green Bay, but he had only one sacks in the final seven games and struggled in other areas of defense.

So far in free agency the Rams have parted ways with Matthews, who had eight sacks, and Dante Fowler Jr, who had 11.5 and signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the week. They also lost three by the departure of Michael Brockers and 3.5 in losing Cory Littleton.

There will be plenty of opportunities for the next generation to take their places, whoever they may be.