Matthews was one of 108 modern-era players and coaches named to the initial list of candidates. The list will be trimmed to 25 in November and 15 in January.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet in San Francisco on Feb. 6, 2016, to elect the class. Between four and eight will make the final cut.
Matthews has advanced as far as the semifinalist round in years past.
Matthews, who retired as a member of the Falcons in 1996, played in 232 games with the Browns from 1978-1993. The former first-round pick from USC registered 1,430 tackles and 14 interceptions during his 15-year stint with the Browns and, after three seasons with the Falcons, finished his career with more games played than any linebacker in NFL history.