Acme Packing Company - Packers and Clay Matthews Agree to 5-Year Contract ExtensionWhere "Draft and Develop" isn't just a philosophy...it's a way of life.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46645/acmepackingco_fave.png2013-04-27T10:00:06-05:00http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/rss/stream/40000772013-04-27T10:00:06-05:002013-04-27T10:00:06-05:00Rodgers, Matthews deals won't handcuff Packers
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<figcaption>Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As if there was little doubt, the Green Bay Packers made sure the new deals for Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews won’t prevent the team from contending for another title.</p> <p>Critics who worried that the extensions for <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and <span>Clay Matthews</span> would hamstring the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> financially can calm down now.</p>
<p>Mere hours before the start of the NFL draft's second day, the Packers announced they had come to terms on a long term deal with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The extension, which adds onto Rodgers' preexisting contract, is worth $110 million over five years. The agreement nets Rodgers $40 million in year one, and $62.5 million over the first three years, though his cap number should remain fairly consistent over the next seven years. In all, Rodgers will make $130.75 million over the next 7 seasons. In terms of total contract value, Rodgers is now the highest paid player in NFL history.</p>
<p>The takeaways from the Rodgers extension are twofold. Because of the way the contract is structured, Rodgers' cap hit will hover at around $21 million per year, which is not significantly higher than the deals Joe Flacco and Drew Brees have received recently. Second, the Matthews deal was not an anomaly. Green Bay will take bigger salary hits in the short term in order to keep their best players on manageable contracts going forward.</p>
<p>The Packers can do this because of their carefully managed cap situation. The team entered the offseason nearly $20 million under the salary cap. Rather than spending on pricey free agents, Green Bay conserved those dollars while team negotiator Russ Ball struck new deals. Matthews' extension includes a $20.5 million signing bonus. Because the contract begins after the final year of Matthews' rookie deal, a large chunk of that bonus be prorated starting this year. Combined with Rodgers' $40 million earnings this season, the Packers will absorb the big hits all at once and give themselves the freedom to spend more money in future years. With <span>Morgan Burnett</span>, <span>Jermichael Finley</span>, and <span>James Jones</span> set to enter free agency after 2013, and even more players the year after that, it's a wise move for the franchise.</p>
<p><i>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 </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>twitter.com/JBHirschhorn</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p>Of course, keep your internet coverage locked on Acme Packing Company for all the coverage of the Green Bay Packers' ten draft picks on day three. It will be a long, busy day, but we'll be there with you every step of the way.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Check out all of Acme Packing Company's draft coverage:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013-nfl-draft">2013 NFL Draft Central</a> | <a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/25/4268298/2013-nfl-draft-green-bay-packers-first-round-pick-datone-jones" target="_blank">Green Bay Selects Datone Jones in First Round</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013-nfl-draft/2013/4/26/4272280/eddie-lacy-2013-nfl-draft-results-green-bay-packers-pick">Green Bay Drafts Eddie Lacy in Second Round </a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/26/4272856/packers-dolphins-2013-nfl-draft-trade">Packers' Complete Draft Order</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/26/4271716/packers-aaron-rodgers-signs-5-year-contract-extension">Keep an eye on the news about quarterback Aaron Rodgers' new contract extension</a></p>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/27/4272066/aaron-rodgers-contractJason B. Hirschhorn2013-04-18T10:23:18-05:002013-04-18T10:23:18-05:00Details Reported on Matthews' Bonus, Cap Hits
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>We are finally getting some news with specific numbers on the structure of Matthews' new deal.</p> <p>Details of Clay Matthews' contract extension continue to roll in this morning, and Vikings reporter Tom Pelissero has a few pieces of new information that are surprising considering the Green Bay Packers' tendency to avoid backloading their players' contracts into later years.</p>
<p>The first piece of news involves Matthews' signing bonus, which is a rather impressive number:</p>
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<p>Clay Matthews contract with <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Packers">#Packers</a> included a $20.5 million signing bonus and a $5M roster bonus due on 3rd day of 2014 league year.</p>
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/324902623075520513">April 18, 2013</a>
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<p>With a signing bonus of that size, it's a pretty good bet that there will be some level of backloading of the cap value of the contract, but Pelissero's second tweet is the really shocking one, and details a source's report of Matthews' cap hits.</p>
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<p>Per source, Matthews'cap number in 2013 is only $6.71M before rising as high as $15.2M in 2017. Per-game roster bonus in '14 through '18.</p>
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/324902863014875137">April 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Yikes. That's <i>extremely </i>heavily backloaded. It still is not as high a maximum cap hit as DeMarcus Ware's contract has in 2014 and '15, but it's awfully hefty. This suggests that Aaron Rodgers' contract will have more money allocated to the salary cap in its early years (certainly in 2013).</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/18/4238828/clay-matthews-packers-contract-extension-signing-bonus-salary-capEvan "Tex" Western2013-04-17T20:37:48-05:002013-04-17T20:37:48-05:00Matthews Talks New Deal, Motivation, & Leadership
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Clay Matthews met the media after the Packers announced the All-Pro linebacker had agreed to a 5-year, $66 million extension.</p> <p>Shortly after the news broke Wednesday that the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> and <span>Clay Matthews</span> agreed to a 5-year, $66 million extension, the All-Pro linebacker faced the media for questioning.</p>
<p>As is usually the case in these situations, Matthews said there's no reason to doubt his drive now that he's been paid, "[The new contract is] very humbling but nothing has changed. Will still be motivated." Matthews continued, "You're going to get the same Clay that you've seen for these past four years." Matthews predicts he'll be even better under this new deal than he was on this first, "[the numbers can get] a lot better, I'm going to continue to put them up."</p>
<p>While there's always some risk in a player becoming complacent after a big payday, there's little reason to worry here. After walking onto USC in 2004, Matthews spent five years rigorously building up his body and learning the finer points of pass rushing. Matthews could have easily dialed down the intensity once he became a first round pick. Fortunately, however, Matthews has maintained that walk-on mentality. That's shouldn't change now that Matthew's is compensated like an elite player.</p>
<p>When asked why he decided to stay in Green Bay, Matthews gave the standard answer, "I like this organization, the fans, the city. I wanted to stay here." Obviously, Matthews isn't going to have anything less than glowing praise for his home for the next five years. It's standard fare for keeping the public in your back pocket.</p>
<p>Far more interesting were Matthews comments on the departure of <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Charles Woodson</a> and the state of the defense. Matthews clearly sees himself as the player to take over Woodson's role as defensive leader. "I've continued to lead through my short time here and I look to continue that leadership." The best player on the defense doesn't have to be the defense's leader (e.g. <span>Ray Lewis</span> his last five or so seasons), but with Woodson's departure and so many young players stepping into bigger roles Matthews may be thrust into the position. Given that Matthews is a vocal personality and a hard worker, he should be capable of handling the responsibility.</p>
<p>No mention was made of the guarantees in the contract, but it's been reported that <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/324614307063164928">Matthews will receive $27 million over the next 12 months</a>. With the total value of Matthews' contract set at <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/17/matthews-deal-gives-rise-to-old-money-vs-new-money-debate/" target="_blank">$69.73 million over six years</a> (the five year extension starts after the final year of Matthews rookie deal), it's fair to say the new agreement is pretty heavily frontloaded. Given that <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> is likely to receive a frontloaded contract himself, Green Bay shouldn't be hamstrung by the cap when players like <span>Randall Cobb</span>, <span>Bryan Bulaga</span>, and <span>Morgan Burnett</span> need to be re-signed.</p>
<p>Quotes provided by <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/TyDunne">Tyler Dunne </a>of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/MikeVandermause">Mike Vandermause</a> of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.</p>
<p><i>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 </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>twitter.com/JBHirschhorn</i></a><i>.</i></p>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/17/4236922/clay-matthews-contract-extension-leadership-packersJason B. Hirschhorn2013-04-17T16:53:18-05:002013-04-17T16:53:18-05:00Matthews' Contract Has $31M Guaranteed
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<figcaption>He can shower himself in money next season. | Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>We're starting to hear more details on the monetary value of Matthews' new contract and how it is broken down.</p> <p>As the afternoon rolls along, we're getting details of the terms of the contract extension that <span>Clay Matthews</span> signed today with the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>.</p>
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<p>With $3.73M left on his rookie deal and folded in, Clay Matthews' deal will come to about $69.73M over 6. Percy Harvin's 6-year take: $67M.</p>
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/324618772608610306">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>That's a lot of cash, Clay. And if you were wondering how much of it he's likely to get in 2013, here you go:</p>
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<p>Clay Matthews will get paid $22 million by the end of 2013. A total of $27 million in the next 12 months.</p>
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/324614307063164928">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Yikes. Then there's the big phrase nowadays, "guaranteed money", which means more than the maximum value of the contract. In this case, Matthews continues to clean up:</p>
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<p>Numbers not precise but not far off: Matthews deal worth about $65 million in new money, including about $31 million gtd.</p>
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/324613303856943104">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>That's a lot of green going to the best defender on the green and gold.</p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/17/4236048/matthews-contract-extension-reports-of-financial-detailsEvan "Tex" Western2013-04-17T14:40:29-05:002013-04-17T14:40:29-05:00Packers Reach Extension with Clay Matthews
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>One of Green Bay's two major contract negotiations concluded today: Clay Matthews beat out Aaron Rodgers for the first contract extension of the Packers' offseason.</p> <p>It looks like we finally know the meaning of "real close."</p>
<p>NFL Network's Ian Rapoport renewed <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/323778481920020480">speculation this past weekend</a> concerning the imminent nature of <span>Clay Matthews</span>' extension. As similar reports had been surfacing for weeks, Rapoport's didn't receive much attention. Given how tight lipped the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> organization is about all its dealings, it was hard to give any report much credence.</p>
<p>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 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Packers-sign-LB-Matthews-to-contract-extension/cc24f102-ce22-4a90-85a5-e027bfcbd1be?campaign=t130417">made it official with a press release</a>.</p>
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<p>Trivial amongst the recent tragic news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay! <a title="http://twitter.com/ClayMatthews52/status/324594456261189633/photo/1" href="http://t.co/MLMz95RakX">twitter.com/ClayMatthews52…</a></p>
— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayMatthews52/status/324594456261189633">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>Details on the new contract are gradually coming to light. Rapoport expects the deal to fall in the <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/324594653464764416">$13 million per year range</a>. 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:</p>
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<p>Deal for <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Packers">#Packers</a>' @<a href="https://twitter.com/claymatthews52">claymatthews52</a> is five years, $66 million. The franchise tag for linebackers this year was $9.619 million.</p>
— tom silverstein (@TomSilverstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/status/324601180233793536">April 17, 2013</a>
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<p>We'll have more on this story as it develops.</p>
<p><i>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 </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>twitter.com/JBHirschhorn</i></a><i>.</i></p>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/4/17/4235718/packers-reach-extension-with-clay-matthewsJason B. Hirschhorn