Chicago bolstered its linebacker depth by adding the productive former Spartan, who must now leverage his ball-hawking instincts to battle through a crowded roster this offseason.
The Chicago Bears are testing the Michigan State waters once again this offseason.
After already signing undrafted free agent wide receiver and former Spartan Omari Kelly, the Bears are back at it, this time adding former Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III.
On Monday, Chicago added four players to the roster: wide receivers Scotty Miller and Kyron Hudson, along with linebackers Matthews and Jon Rhattigan.
Matthews and Rhattigan now join a Bears linebacker room that already includes talented players such as T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, Noah Sewell and more. Because of that depth, the odds of Matthews immediately stepping in and earning a starting role are slim.
Still, Matthews has built a reputation on doing everything necessary to prove doubters wrong. He will spend OTAs and the rest of the offseason battling for a spot on the active roster or, at the very least, a place on the practice squad.
Matthews began his collegiate career at Old Dominion, where he spent the first three seasons of his college career before transferring to Michigan State for his final two years.
At Old Dominion, Matthews appeared in three games during his freshman season before redshirting. In his second year, he played in 10 games as he started to find his footing defensively. He finished that season with 13 total tackles and a forced fumble.
Then came his breakout campaign.
In his third season at Old Dominion, Matthews exploded onto the scene with 135 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery that he returned 55 yards. Nearly every statistic marked a career high and showcased just how explosive he could be with his speed, instincts and physicality.
After that breakout season, Matthews transferred to Michigan State to continue his development at the Big Ten level.
His first season in East Lansing was more of an adjustment period. Matthews played in nine games and finished with 33 total tackles and one fumble recovery. While the production dipped compared to his final year at Old Dominion, he slowly worked his way into the defensive rotation and continued earning trust within the defense.
In his final collegiate season, Matthews earned more opportunities and took another step forward. He appeared in 12 games and totaled 73 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one pass deflection and the lone interception of his college career.
Now, Matthews embarks on the next chapter of his football journey, fighting tooth and nail for an opportunity at the professional level.
Ben Johnson and the Bears have opened the door, but it will be on Matthews to prove he belongs. His ball-hawking ability, physical play style, football IQ and quick feet could give him a real chance to stand out during offseason workouts and preseason action.
The linebacker position continues to become more valuable across the NFL. With offenses relying heavily on athletic tight ends, versatile running backs and speed in open space, teams need linebackers who can react quickly, play downhill and keep their head on a swivel.
Matthews has already proven to Michigan State fans that he can bring toughness, speed and physicality to a defense.
Now, he will have to prove it to the Bears coaching staff as he fights to earn his place in the league.