Embed from Getty Images
Earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with one veteran defender. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens was released after four seasons with the team. That was not a very surprising move overall, as it helped open up more salary cap space for the Chiefs in 2022. Many moves are expected to take place on the defensive side of the ball. Yet, there is one potential move that is ultra-complicated. What will Kansas City ultimately decide to do with defensive end Frank Clark?
In the 2019 offseason, Clark received the franchise tag from the Seattle Seahawks. Kansas City later acquired the defender from Seattle in a tag and trade scenario. The Chiefs not only sent a 2019 first round pick and a 2019 third round pick to the Seahawks. More notably, they signed Clark to a five-year contract worth a total of $105.5 million. It included $63.5 million guaranteed. He was coming off of an amazing 2018 season, where the pass rusher accumulated 13 sacks. That remains to be a single season career high in sacks as we head into 2022.
There have certainly been some hot stretches that Clark has had with the Chiefs. Elsewhere, there has been a lot to be desired in crucial moments. The potential to open up a great deal of more 2022 salary cap space exists by moving on, however. Will Kansas City hold on to the pass rusher for the upcoming season? Or, will they cut bait at a prime opportunity, similar to what they did with the aforementioned Hitchens?
Different Paths
Release Clark
The options that the Chiefs are surrounded with when it comes to Frank Clark, are much different than what they had with Anthony Hitchens. It was concrete how much money would be cleared by simply releasing Hitchens ($8.44 million, per Over The Cap). The dead cap hit was also obvious and was not going to fluctuate ($4.2 million). There are many different values as to what those numbers could look like in the case of Clark. And it all has to do with potential timing.
For instance, if the Chiefs were to release Clark before June 1, 2022, they would save $12.7 million in 2022 cap space. Nonetheless, the team would still take on a rather hefty dead cap hit of $13.6 million with that choice. The numbers are a lot more favorable for the team, if they were to release him with a post-June 1 designation. They would then save $19.5 million by going this route, while incurring a much less devastating dead cap hit of $6.8 million. It should be noted that the dead cap number would be associated to the salary cap in both 2022 and 2023, if the Chiefs were to release Clark via a post-June 1 designation.
Restructure Clark’s Contract
This could very well be the first course of action that the Chiefs may attempt with Clark. Unlike with Hitchens, there is no immediate replacement on the roster at defensive end going into the free agency period. There are surely some great options at the position who are available to sign in March or draft in April. However, nothing is guaranteed when attempting to bring in a new piece.
There are a couple of questions that Kansas City would be faced with by going this route. First off, would Clark be willing to take a possible pay cut? Is doing a contract restructure the most beneficial option for the Chiefs moving forward?
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
The team can always kick the can down the road, so to speak and push money down the line. We have learned that general manager Brett Veach is very adamant about not getting into future monetary binds, though. The maximum amount of cap space that the Chiefs could create by restructuring Clark’s contract? That would be $9.1 million, according to Over The Cap. Of course, that is not quite as advantageous for the team, when it comes to the amount of cap space that they could create.
Trade Clark
Would some team be willing to acquire Clark via trade and make his contract work? There are also a few factors that come into play with this scenario. One, the other team involved in the trade would likely need to have a great load of 2022 salary cap space at their disposal. Kansas City would also have to be realistic with what they would get in return. Likely, you are not getting a major asset back in return for moving on from Clark. The Chiefs would also have to be willing to cut their losses with this defender, at the same time. Veach has shown that he is willing to do that more often recently.
Contenders battling with the Chiefs in the AFC could be surprisingly strong candidates in this scenario. Every team is looking for an edge against their top opponents. With Kansas City, one of the best ways to beat them is by putting pressure on Patrick Mahomes. Teams can never have too many pass rushers. Furthermore, there is always the chance that Clark can improve in a new setting.
Boom Or Bust
It was of course never the hope of the Chiefs to be in this spot with the pass rusher. But still, let’s look back on how Clark has fared during his time with Kansas City. We will start with the good.
His first season with the team was arguably his best one so far. In 2019, he achieved his best marks with the Chiefs in categories like total tackles (37), tackles for loss (12), sacks (eight), pass deflections (four), forced fumbles (three) and interceptions (one). That was of course just in the regular season. In the postseason, Clark wreaked havoc in the backfield in many vital moments. His seven quarterback hits, five sacks and five tackles for loss were a major reason as to why the Chiefs defense was able to help Kansas City win Super Bowl LIV.
We should also note Clark’s hot stretch during the midway point of the 2021 regular season. After Week 7, the pass rusher was ranked 16th in the entire NFL in pressures (11). He also had a meaningful pressure rate of 13.6 percent at the time.
On the other hand, there were some notable stretches that left a lot to be desired. The postseason stretches of the last two years were nowhere near what Clark was able to accomplish in that aforementioned postseason after 2019. We have also seen him make more crucial stops in the run game, compared to the pass rush game in the last couple of years. That can help occasionally. But most of all, the lack of consistent results and declining production for Clark as a pass rusher is concerning. It certainly does not meet the contract values that he is due for in the next two seasons. As a result, the Chiefs must make the right decision with Clark at this current crossroads.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles throughout next week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to […]
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics and Bucks upcoming game six, Joel Embiid […]
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Ian and John talk Celtics/Bucks and the NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's new […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Ep 9: Wildly Early Predictions Of The 2022 Patriots Scheduleby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:24 am
-
Ep 114: Paul Londonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 131: Packers Fan Series with LosDeeMixby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
The Game talks about Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom as well as Yankees and ROY Talkby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Episode 48 Criss Partee Analysis and reaction to Game 1s of the NBA Conference Finalsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 6:50 am
-
Ep. 253: Storm Rolls Into Atlantaby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 12:50 am
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
-
Celtics Tie The Series Against Bucksby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:52 am