Cesar Tordesillas

Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Clay Matthews has signed a five-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers reportedly worth $13 million annually.

"I love what this team is doing, I love the direction we're going, what we've been able to accomplish, the numerous team accolades, including a Super Bowl, that we've been able to achieve," Matthews said. "I'm looking forward to the next six years."

The Packers did not release details of the deal but media reports have it that Matthews will earn $65 million in new money, including a guaranteed $31 million.

Drafted 26th overall by the Packers in 2009 out of Southern California, Matthews is the only player in franchise history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons.

Matthews has 42.5 sacks and has finished in the top five in sacks two of the last three seasons (13.5 in 2010, 13 in 2012).

Overall, Matthews has 270 tackles (191 solo), four interceptions (including two touchdown returns), seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a TD).

Aside from being the team's top linebacker, Matthews is also expected to take on a greater leadership role with the losses of defensive backs Nick Collins and Charles Woodson over the past two years.

After Matthews, the Packers will try to iron out a long-term deal with quarterback Aaron Rodgers that will make him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

"Hopefully that's the next order of business," said Matthews, who is represented by the same agent as Rodgers.

 

Green Bay Packers Sign Clay Matthews to Five-Year Deal