Quote Originally Posted by pbmax View Post
Matthews hurt his shoulder in Week 12 (Game 11) and wasn't the same after it. That is almost 1/3 of the season (5.75 games), yet somehow he produced these numbers on a team that didn't quite pressure the passer enough:



He's been a consummate professional, has been a impact player, played hurt and still affected games. He is coming back for one more year at his current number at least, to see him healthy at least. He might only be good at this point, but he is coming back.
Before his shoulder he missed two games with a hamstring. He misses far too many tackles, and can't make plays in coverage. Even when healthy he struggles to show up in crunch time. Perfect example is the NFC Championship game against Seattle. How much are you willing to pay Matthews per sack? 2016 you payed him roughly 3 million per sack. When he played an entire season in the inside he still only managed 66 tackles. He is more hype than production. I agree he is coming back but if the Packers did cut him they would have plenty of money to sign a starting caliber defensive back and sign Nick Perry.

The prediction for Perry is around 8 million per year. Some fans are complaining that price is too high. Compared to Matthews salary of 13.5 million over the next two years to 8 million and the production difference between the two and Perry is the more valuable player at this point.

I think the fact that Perry recorded 11 sacks which were just above his combined total the previous 3 seasons scares some fans that he is a one year wonder. Perry's play seemed to turn a corner during the 2015 playoffs where he had 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His 2016 season seemed a carry over from the previous playoff experience up until he broke his hand. Just like with Matthews I don't know if the Packers can head into 2017 without Perry's experience especially having Jones and Peppers entering free agency as well and no viable options on the roster. Perry is one of the better edge rushers in free agency and compare his asking price to Chandler Jones's he is probably the better value signing.