You can't always box score scout. You are only seeing the broadcast view and you don't know what's happening when the ball is in the air because it's not on the screen. If you can get a UDFA small LB with speed for league minimum, then every team would only do that. Why aren't they?
Tyler Matkevich is getting a higher salary because he's a good special teams guy. If he was only a 3rd string linebacker and average special teammer, then he wouldn't make that much. Did Brad Lamb make as much as Steve Tasker? You generally pay more for a better player.
Matthew Slater has been extended 3 times by the Pats. He's literally only a Special Teams guy. He has one catch in his 13 year career.
For some reason, we aren't allowed to use him as an example.
The Patriots went on the greatest run in NFL history and they always focused on special teams....but we can't use them as an example.