Clay laughs off Packers giving No. 52 to Gary: 'Body's not even cold yet'

Clay Matthews is one of the most accomplished and beloved defenders in Green Bay Packers history, but the team is apparently ready to focus on the future rather than the past.

With Matthews' No. 52 vacant after the linebacker left in free agency, the Packers allowed their first-round pick, pass-rusher Rashan Gary, to sport the number.

Matthews reacted to the news with some humor on Monday:

The 32-year-old, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, spent 10 years leading the Packers' defense after he was taken in the first round of the 2009 draft.

After producing double-digit sacks in four of his first six campaigns in Green Bay, Matthews' production slipped in his final four seasons; the Packers moved him to inside linebacker for long stretches when he was no longer the same threat off the edge.

The Packers' top priority this offseason has been to reinvigorate their pass rush. They eschewed their usual free-agent philosophy and signed Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith as their new starting outside linebackers.

Gary will likely begin his career as a situational pass-rusher behind the two Smiths, but with No. 52 on his chest, the expectations for his rookie season may be heightened.