Does a Frank Clark Return to the Kansas City Chiefs Make Sense?
The 2023 NFL offseason is finally to the point where veterans start seeing what is available to them and signing with teams before the start of training camp. Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Carlos Dunlap, who played vital snaps in last year's Super Bowl-winning season, during the first week of camp. The Chiefs have already made a veteran signing post-draft in offensive tackle Donovan Smith, but another could be on the horizon for Kansas City.
When defensive end Frank Clark was released back in March, there was an understanding that a return could happen later in the offseason. After a week of Chris Jones clamoring for "The Shark" to return, it's fair to say that the possibility might be more real than initially thought. A return for a fifth season in Kansas City can help Clark grow his legacy even more, but is it the best thing for the team this year and moving forward? Let's dive into it.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023. Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
There is no doubt that Clark can help the Chiefs when it comes to on-the-field play. He is familiar with the defensive system and has the coaching staff's trust. While he may not be the same level pass rusher as he once was, Clark's run defense is still elite. That run-defending ability would get him on the field in early downs over guys who may need to be more polished in that aspect of the game. The former Pro Bowler would be able to eat snaps, especially on early downs, to keep the pass rush rotation fresh.
The pushback for a return in the on-the-field sense would be taking reps away from the young pass rushers the Chiefs have invested in over the last few years. George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah have been picked in the first round in back-to-back drafts by Kansas City. BJ Thompson, Truman Jones and Charles Omenihu have also been added this offseason to supplement the defensive end group. Maximizing those young linemen's reps in practice and during games will help them gain experience and development. In addition, all those defenders are under contract for at least two seasons, so they are a part of Kansas City's future plans. Clark may not be.
While on-field production is essential, with the number of young players the Chiefs have in the pipeline, Clark's intangibles and leadership are invaluable. Last year during training camp, videos started to surface of Clark working with then-rookie Karlaftis after practice had ended. There were no coaches — it was just Clark, Karlaftis and a dummy to practice pass rush moves on.
The payoff of these sessions was evident when the rookie hit his hot streak of getting sacks towards the end of the year, including using some of the veteran's moves to record those sacks. Eventually, more players started joining the sessions, with it being dubbed 'Frank Clark's Camp.' That willingness and desire to teach the younger pass rushers only helps elevate the team, and that can be useful for Anudike-Uzomah, Thompson and Jones this year.
Nov 27, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
At the end of the day, adding more bodies to the defensive line room can't hurt, especially when that body is one of the core pieces of Kansas City's recent success as well as one of the best playoff pass rushers in NFL history. On top of that, Clark's ability as a run defender is a missing component of the Chiefs' current defensive line group. He could also help groom young players with his leadership.
Between the relationships Clark has built in the Chiefs organization, whether with Andy Reid or Chris Jones, and the value he adds to the roster, it is an excellent move to bring back the two-time Super Bowl champion to Kansas City for another season.
