Here's a Free Agent Name The Bears Could Sign and Why They Should

The Chicago Bears brass knows they must be careful about how they approach the 2019 offseason. They want to remain aggressive. That's fine. However, they must not overexert the few resources they have. One eye must be kept on the future. This is why it's possible that free agency this year could be shifted towards some calculated risks on the veteran market. One name that some may not realize is set to be available? Clay Matthews. Obviously, this is going to arouse serious wrath from diehard fans. They have come to despise the Green Bay Packers linebacker for not only his great play against the Bears over the years but also his occasional dirty tactics. So how would it feel to see him in navy blue? That's actually a question GM Ryan Pace and his front office gets to ask. Matthews' contract is expiring there is genuinely believe that not only could Green Bay not re-sign him, but that they shouldn't. Joel Corry of CBS Sports indicated as much when assessing his situation.

"Matthews is a far cry from the player the Packers made the NFL's highest-paid linebacker in 2013 with a five-year extension averaging $13.2 million per year. He only has nine quarterback pressures in eight games this season. By contrast, Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller had 10 pressures in an October game against the Cardinals. Free agency hasn't been kind to aging pass rushers with declining production. Matthews will be 33 in May."

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Chicago Bears Clay Matthews move would add highly credible depth

There are a few things that add to the appeal here. Matthews will likely be available on the cheap. He had just 3.5 sacks this past season so his price range will be significantly lower. The Bears are on the lookout for potential depth in their rotation with Aaron Lynch becoming a free agent. He would provide a nice option as that first rotational rusher. There is also the presence of Chuck Pagano. The new Bears defensive coordinator has a reputation for player motivation and usage. He has that ability to squeeze more juice out of bodies that seemed all but dried up when he arrived. A perfect example is Robert Mathis. The Pro Bowl defensive end's production appeared to be on a steady decline going from 9.5 sacks to 8 sacks in 2012.

Then in 2013, he exploded for a career-high 19.5 sacks at age 32. Matthews wouldn't even be the first player the Packers discarded that he ended up getting more out of. Erik Walden, whom they dismissed with little regret in 2013, had six sacks in two years. Over the next four seasons, he had 23 sacks for the Colts including 11 in 2016 at the age of 31. It's also important to remember the bloodline Matthews comes from. His father, Clay Matthews Jr., played until the age of 40. He had the second-best season of his career in 1992 with nine sacks. He was 36-years old. Matthews' uncle, Bruce Matthews, played 19 seasons and was an All-Pro guard at age 39.

This family is built for football longevity.

Just when you think they're done, they seem to find a new gas tank and keep on rolling. Matthews wouldn't have to be the guy in Chicago. He'd be free to focus on one task: getting the quarterback. He'd be able to do it on fresh legs too. This is a move the Bears have to consider if Green Bay lets him walk.