Minnesota Vikings Agree to Terms With Casey Matthews
Carl Knowles
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The Minnesota Vikings announced that they have agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews.
Matthews was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft and was forced into action last season when the Eagles were hit with injuries at the Inside linebacker position. Casey Matthews (brother of Packers All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews), has been a bit of a disappointment in Philly, but is eager for a fresh start in Minnesota.
Matthews has played inside and outside linebacker during his four seasons with the Eagles, registering 109 tackles and 2.5 sacks on defense to go along with his 39 additional stops on special teams. The former Oregon Ducks linebacker has appeared in 64 games in his NFL career.
Matthew is only 26 and started 11 games last season for the Eagles splitting time with Emmanuel Acho.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer met Matthews at the Senior Bowl in 2011 when Zimmer was a defensive coach for Matthews’ North squad.
That familiarity is reassuring, and I think having extra depth at the linebacker position is certainly welcomed. My fingers are crossed that Zimmer has the know how to turn Matthews’ NFL fortunes around in Minnesota. However, my eyes are still on some of the talented edge rushers and linebackers in this years draft.