Nov 20, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) stands on the field during pre game warm ups prior to the Packers' game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb haven’t played up to their contracts in recent years, yet both are set for lofty salaries in 2017.

The Green Bay Packers currently sit $41 million below the salary cap, per OverTheCap.com, which should be more than enough to re-sign their priority free agents.

How much is left to spend elsewhere remains to be seen. There would be considerably more wiggle room if not for the contracts of Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb.

Matthews, who battled injuries in 2016 but played well below expectations, is set to account for a $15.08 million cap hit, making him the second most expensive player on the roster. Cobb is third, his cap hit a staggering $12.66 million for 2017.

This isn’t to say either should be cut. It is what it is. The Packers simply have to, and likely will, deal with it.

Re-structuring either contract is an option to shave some money off of the 2017 cap, but doing so pushes money into future years, not a move the Packers often make.

If general manager Ted Thompson wants to free up cash, his best bet would be to move on from either player altogether.

If one has to go, it should be Matthews. While Cobb is yet to play up to the contract he signed two years ago, he’s still only 26-years-old and a valuable asset to the offense. Financially, he would still account for $6.5 million in dead money if he was cut.

Matthews, on the other hand, is the wrong side of 30, prone to injuries and has struggled to meet the bar he set earlier in his career. Moving on from the “Claymaker” would save the Packers $10.98 million in cap room. Who knows how valuable that cash could be on the market.

Time will tell whether the Packers make any moves, but the fact remains that both Matthews and Cobb haven’t put enough quality play on tape the past two years to justify their hefty price tags.

What are your thoughts on both players’ contracts?

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