Packers Spend $150K to Protect Next Clay Matthews III at Outside Linebacker at UDFA with Incredible Story

April 30, 2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers invested heavily in undrafted free agent Jamon Dumas-Johnson, signing the Kentucky linebacker to a deal with $150,000 guaranteed, sources told ESPN Saturday. The move aims to secure a potential Clay Matthews III heir.

Dumas-Johnson, 23, a two-time national champion at Georgia, led Kentucky with 67 tackles in 2024. His 13 sacks and 25 tackles for loss across 49 games evoke Matthews’ pass-rush prowess. A forearm injury in 2023 derailed his draft stock (Packers Wire).

The Packers, stung by an 11-6 wild-card loss, see Dumas-Johnson as a gem. “He’s a disruptor,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. The $150,000 guarantee, rare for UDFAs, underscores faith in his fit for Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 scheme (Spotrac).

HBO’s “The Cost of Winning” chronicled Dumas-Johnson’s rise from a four-star recruit to All-American. Playing behind Quay Walker at Georgia, he sparked the 2021 title run. His 2024 Kentucky transfer showcased resilience, earning SEC praise (A Sea Of Blue).

Green Bay’s linebacker corps, led by Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, lacks depth. Dumas-Johnson’s 4.6-second 40-dash and 52 career pressures could challenge Kristian Welch for a roster spot, echoing Matthews’ 83.5-sack legacy (Pro Football Reference).

The $150,000 deal, with a $10,000 signing bonus, fits the Packers’ $47 million cap space. “I’m ready to hunt,” Dumas-Johnson told reporters. His 15.5% missed tackle rate raises concerns, but special teams potential bolsters his case (NFL.com).

Fans buzzed on X. “Next Clay Matthews? Let’s go!” one post cheered. The signing, paired with draft picks Matthew Golden and Collin Oliver, fuels hope for a revamped defense to complement Josh Jacobs’ 1,329 yards (The Athletic).

As rookie minicamp nears, Dumas-Johnson’s story—from HBO star to UDFA—captivates Titletown. Can he channel Matthews’ magic and propel Green Bay past the NFC North? The Packers’ $150,000 bet aims for a legendary encore in 2025.