Tag: Frank Clark

Saints listed as the best fit for controversial free agent DE Frank Clark

Bleacher Report listed the Saints as the best fit for controversial free agent defensive end Frank Clark, who is currently on probation following Los Angeles gun charges:

The New Orleans Saints have plenty of salary cap resources to work with, and it would make sense for them to invest in a new pass rusher after letting Marcus Davenport walk away in free agency. And one suggestion comes from Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, who suggested New Orleans as one of the best fits for recently-released Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark:

When the Chiefs decided to release Frank Clark, he immediately became one of the best edge-defenders in a shallow free-agent class. Clark is 29 years old and his regular season numbers aren’t staggering, but he’s racked up 10.5 sacks in four playoff runs with the Chiefs.

He’s a savvy veteran with a skill set many teams would love to add, even if he’s just a rotational player.

The Saints are a team that could use him as a starter. Marcus Davenport had a down year last season, but they will still miss him in their rotation. With Cam Jordan entering his age-34 season, it might be a good idea for the Saints to add a veteran like Clark who can take some of his snaps and help both players sustain success.

Clark’s production has trailed off with age, which partially led to his release by Kansas City, but he also brings a lot of off-field distractions. Before being dismissed from Michigan’s college team due to 2014 domestic violence charges, he pled guilty to 2012 felony home-invasion charges. The Seattle Seahawks overlooked those incidents to pick him in the second round of the 2015 draft, only to trade him to the Chiefs in 2019. He’s currently serving probation following gun charges in Los Angeles stemming from a March 2021 arrest, which led to a two-game suspension last season. He has a lot of baggage.

But back to the football fit. Clark generated 56 quarterback pressures last year for Kansas City, which would have led the Saints by a healthy margin (Cameron Jordan paced the team with 37). He’s undersized by their standards — despite being listed at 272 pounds, he said last summer that he was playing at about 250 pounds. Jordan and the other New Orleans defensive ends all tip the scales at roughly 285 pounds. Dennis Allen has used lighter pass rushers before, but size has been a point of emphasis for him as of late.

Maybe that changes if the Saints like Clark’s fit in their defense. They were willing to overlook sexual misconduct charges against defensive end Carl Granderson, who missed part of his rookie year while serving time in a Wyoming prison, and their public pursuit of quarterback Deshaun Watson — despite dozens of accusations of sexual misconduct — was well-documented. They signed free safety Marcus Maye last year knowing he’s facing an eventual suspension from a Feb. 2021 DUI charge in Florida, and running back Alvin Kamara remains in their plans with a suspension looming after his arrest in Las Vegas a year ago. The Saints have shown us that there’s a lot they’ll overlook if they feel a player can improve their on-field product.

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The 20 best remaining players after Day 2 of NFL free agency

It’s Day 3 of free agency. A franchise LT and safety are somehow STILL available.

Fun fact: The NFL’s negotiation window might begin on Monday, with most free-agent players locked in immediately. But the new league year doesn’t actually start until today!

It’s wild to think about after seeing all these underrated trades and handsome contracts fly around, right? (Also, it’s funny knowing most of these moves aren’t 100 percent official and can technically fall through at any time.)

However, despite most of the free agent field being combed through this year, many franchise players and stars remain available. To be quite honest with you: I don’t know why. But I’ve never professed to know precisely how an NFL GM thinks.

As Day 3 of free agency rolls on, here’s an overview of the 20 top unsigned players left. (Note: I’ve said before they’ll likely not last much longer on the open market. But nothing seems assured anymore.)

The 20 best remaining players after Day 1 of NFL free agency

Most of the big fish are gone, but a lot of stars and quality starters are just waiting to be snatched up.

I know it’s tough to process while in the moment, with new agreements seemingly flying around every other minute, but not every player is signed on the first day of NFL free agency.

In fact, if we took an honest look at the proceedings, many worthwhile stars, solid contributors, and depth guys are still sitting on the board after a whirlwind first day. Even if teams like the Chicago Bears were among the bigger initial winners, and even if squads like the San Francisco 49ers continue to get richer defensively, there’s still a lot of time left before the free-agent dust settles.

Let’s take a quick look at the 20 best players remaining in 2023 NFL free agency (by my estimation) as we head into Day 2. Remember: most of these guys aren’t likened to last much longer on the open market.

Free agents the Vikings can sign that don’t count against compensatory picks

Getting compensatory picks in the NFL draft is a savvy practice and something the Vikings did last year. Who fits that bill this offseason?

Free agency is coming and teams will be talking to free agents in hopes of signing them to their teams. One element that some teams look at more than others is the compensatory pick formula.

The formula is simple in nature. If you lose more unrestricted free agents than you sign, you are eligible for that many compensatory selections. What round they come is determined by how big their contract is.

One area where general managers can take advantage is by signing players that were released before their contract expires. Those players don’t count toward the formula. The Vikings took advantage of that last year by signing Za’Darius Smith.

This season, there will be plenty of players available to sign that can both help the team and not count against the formula. Here is the up-to-date list of those players that will be updated as players get released.

15 free agents the Eagles can sign that don’t count against compensatory picks

We’re looking at 15 players the Philadelphia Eagles can sign in 2023 NFL Free Agency that won’t count against the compensatory pick formula

The NFL’s new league is less than a week away, and with the legal tampering period scheduled to start on Monday, Philadelphia will look to retool on defense, while making cost-effective decisions.

All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts and his contract is the biggest concern this offseason, but the Eagles will also need to navigate 19 looming free agents and the likelihood that they’ll lose C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Javon Hargrave and James Bradberry.

GM Howie Roseman has made it clear that he’s prepared to lose several key starters and he’ll retool via the draft with a handful of 2024 compensatory picks.

The formula is simple in nature.

If you lose more unrestricted free agents than you sign, you are eligible for that many compensatory selections. What round they come is determined by how big their contract is.

Roseman and other general managers can take advantage of the rule by signing players released before their contract expires. Those players don’t count toward the formula.

Plenty of players will be available to sign this offseason that can both help the team and not count against the formula.

Here are 15 players Philadelphia could sign that wouldn’t count against 2024 compensatory picks.

Statements from Chiefs GM Brett Veach, HC Andy Reid on release of Frank Clark

The #Chiefs have officially released DE Frank Clark and we have statements from GM Brett Veach and HC Andy Reid on the decision:

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially released DE Frank Clark.

Clark spent four seasons in Kansas City after he was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks back in 2019. He immediately established himself as a leader on the defensive side of the ball, becoming a pivotal piece of the team’s success. He made his biggest mark in the postseason during his Chiefs career with 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 32 total tackles during his time in Kansas City alone.

Both Chiefs GM Brett Veach and HC Andy Reid released statements following the team’s announcement that they’d officially released Clark.

Brett Veach:

“It’s really hard to put into words what Frank has meant to our organization over the last four seasons. When we traded for him before the 2019 season, he came here with the goal of winning championships. We went to three Super Bowls in four seasons won two of those, and there is no doubt that Frank was a significant part of bringing those Lombardi Trophies to Kansas City. ‘The Shark cemented his legacy here in Chiefs Kingdom with his play and his personality. These decisions are never easy, but we wish him the best as he continues his career.” 

Andy Reid:

“Frank is a special player and person. You were able to see his play on the field, but if you talk to him, you realize how incredible his heart is. Frank gave us all his energy, he invested time in our younger players to help them grow, and it shows you how passionate he is about the game. He’ll always be a part of our history here and we appreciate the work he put in to help us get there.”

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Three-round mock draft: Impact of Chiefs’ decisions with Orlando Brown Jr., Frank Clark

Our @goldmctNFL explores what the #Chiefs’ draft could look like in light of the team’s decisions on Orlando Brown Jr. and Frank Clark.

The Kansas City Chiefs recently made a pair of key decisions that will shape the course of the 2023 NFL offseason for the team.

Orlando Brown Jr. won’t receive the franchise tag, likely leaving him to test the free agent market. Frank Clark is expected to be released, making him the second former trade acquisition likely parting ways with Kansas City.

These two choices will certainly guide decisions made in the upcoming free agency period, but also the 2023 NFL draft. Without knowing what Brett Veach has up his sleeve come March 15, we’re taking a look forward to April’s draft. How could the departures of Clark and Brown Jr. impact their selections?

Below we’ve got a fresh three-round mock draft exploring what the Chiefs might do given the strength of the draft class and their current needs:

Chiefs expected to release former Seahawks edge Frank Clark

At least one other familiar name is about to become available.

We know the Seahawks are interested in bringing back Bobby Wagner once he officially becomes a free agent next week. Could there be other former Seattle players that might return this offseason? At least one other familiar name is about to become available.

According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, the Chiefs and former Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark’s agent haven’t been able to agree to a new contract, so they are expected to release him.

Clark was originally a second-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2015 NFL draft out of Michigan. He played four seasons and 62 total games in Seattle, totaling 23.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits. In the four years since he was traded to Kansas City he’s added another 35 sacks and 72 QB hits, making him one of the league’s most-productive pass rushers of the last decade.

The Seahawks do have a need at this spot and Clark will soon be one of the best on the market. On the other hand, Clark will turn 30 over the summer and the 2023 NFL draft class is deep at this position – making a reunion less likely.

Other former Seattle edge rushers that are about to become free agents include Jadeveon Clowney and Carlos Dunlap.

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Reviewing Chiefs’ edge rusher depth in wake of Frank Clark’s expected release

Our @goldmctNFL takes a look at the #Chiefs’ edge rusher depth now that Frank Clark is expected to be released.

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release DE Frank Clark, who has been a member of the team since they traded to acquire him from the Seattle Seahawks in 2019.

Clark played the seventh-most defensive snaps among Chiefs defenders in 2022 and has played over 2,800 snaps since arriving in Kansas City. Outside of Chris Jones, he’s been the most important and consistent player on the defensive line for this team. His presence, production and leadership will certainly be missed and won’t easily be replaced.

What does the Chiefs’ edge rusher depth look like without Clark in the fold and with free agency on the horizon? Below you’ll find a quick overview of the team’s current depth and players who are pending free agents:

Chiefs expected to release DE Frank Clark after failing to agree on reworked contract

The #Chiefs are now expected to release DE Frank Clark after they were unable to come to an agreement on a reworked contract, per report.

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release DE Frank Clark after they were unable to come to an agreement on a reworked contract that would lower his salary cap number for the 2023 NFL season.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs met with Clark’s agent Erik Burkhardt in an attempt to find common ground on a reworked deal but were unable to do so. That’s despite both Brett Veach and Andy Reid striking a hopeful tone during their media availability at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Kansas City is now expected to release the 29-year-old defensive end, according to Schefter.

This move will free $21 million in salary cap space for the Chiefs, but they’ll also incur over $7 million in a dead money charge for the upcoming season. There remains a chance that Clark could return to the team after his release, but he could also receive significant interest on the open market.

The Chiefs first acquired Clark in trade from the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2019 NFL draft, signing him to a five-year contract extension worth over $100 million. Clark started 55 regular-season games in the past four seasons, recording 127 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks. During the playoffs, Clark was an entirely different beast. He recorded 32 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 12 games started.

If this is the end for Clark in Kansas City, he’ll leave a two-time Super Bowl champion and have little regrets about his time with the team.

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