Veteran Linebacker Clay Matthews Files for $2 Million Grievance Against Los Angeles Rams

In the midst of the COVID-19 chaos, many NFL players are in talks with teams to organize contractual obligations and trying to get the money that is owed to them. One of those players is longtime star linebacker Clay Matthews of the Los Angeles Rams. 

Earlier this week, ESPN reported that the Rams linebacker is filing a grievance against the organization for $2 million in unpaid guaranteed money. Matthews has been vocal on social media about the situation, like many other players, and has now submitted paperwork to the NFLPA. 

The GM of the LA Rams has said that he is completely aware of the fact that Matthews and former running back Todd Gurley are owed guaranteed money, and that the organization is trying to comply with the “contract language of both players.”

“Here’s what I do know: They’re definitely owed money. That money is guaranteed, we’re going to pay them. There’s some language in the contract of exactly when you pay them and that’s what we’re adhering by.”

In the case related to Matthews, his current issue comes from the likelihood of offset language in his contract; which means that the Rams won’t owe him a cent if he plans to sign a contract with another team worth more than $2 million.

The Rams will most likely be holding out to see if Matthews does indeed sign another contract, and in that case, the organization will be cleared of having to pay him that money. 

Last year was Matthews first and likely his only year with the LA Rams, after he spent a decade in Green Bay with the Packers. Matthews had 37 tackles in 13 games, as the Rams cut him at the conclusion of the regular season, saving them $3.75 in cap space. 

Article by Andrew Wallman