Cliff Matthews May be Making a Position Change

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs against Atlanta Falcons defensive end Cliff Matthews (98) during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cliff Matthews came into practice the other day with ten extra pounds.  But it’s not because he’s over weight, he may be making a position change.

Obviously the pass rush and run stopping were major problems on the line last season and they could use all the help they can get on the line.  After picking up two defensive ends in the draft, along with Biermann, Osi, Matthews, and Massaquoi, the line is quite crowded.   Someone is going to get cut…unless they make a position switch.

Cliff Matthews is a talented lineman who got to see some playing time even in the playoffs.  He was able to generate some penetration as a defensive end and even got a hand on Colin Kaepernick.  Gaining some weight and moving to defensive tackle may help with the depth at tackle.  He may even be good enough to be a great contributor in stuffing the run and rushing the passer here and there.

If this is the case, however, there may be no need to drag along Peria Jerry.  If Cliff Matthews can match his production (which shouldn’t really be all that difficult) then the Falcons may be able to free up a little cap space.

What are your thoughts on Matthews moving to DT?