:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11694777/20120921_kkt_sh5_248.0.jpg)
It looks like we finally know the meaning of "real close."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport renewed speculation this past weekend concerning the imminent nature of Clay Matthews' extension. As similar reports had been surfacing for weeks, Rapoport's didn't receive much attention. Given how tight lipped the Green Bay Packers organization is about all its dealings, it was hard to give any report much credence.
But now the wait is over. Clay Matthews has signed a new deal with Green Bay. First Matthews announced the deal on Twitter, then the Packers made it official with a press release.
Trivial amongst the recent tragic news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay! twitter.com/ClayMatthews52…
— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) April 17, 2013
Details on the new contract are gradually coming to light. Rapoport expects the deal to fall in the $13 million per year range. That would place him among the highest paid pass rushers in the league. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel recently reported that the deal is right in that range:
Deal for #Packers' @claymatthews52 is five years, $66 million. The franchise tag for linebackers this year was $9.619 million.
— tom silverstein (@TomSilverstein) April 17, 2013
We'll have more on this story as it develops.
Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.