Should Seahawks Sign DE Frank Clark? NFL Analyst Weighs In
The Seattle Seahawks already brought back one old face on defense this offseason in linebacker Bobby Wagner, so could defensive end Frank Clark be next? The former Seahawks second-round pick is still available in free agency, and according to one analyst, a homecoming could be the best thing for him.
Jeff Diamond, longtime NFL executive and current analyst for The 33rd Team, believes a return to Seattle is the perfect fit for Clark. Re-acquiring the defensive end wouldn't just be another reunion for the Seahawks, but the latest of several moves this offseason to add to their pass rush.
"The Seattle Seahawks already brought back linebacker Bobby Wagner, and Clark is a great fit to return to a team on the rise," Diamond writes. "Seattle has added Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed on the defensive line in free agency and drafted Derick Hall as a second-round edge player. But Clark could play a role as the designated pass rusher from the edge.
"The Seahawks have $10.6 million of room, so they may have to structure a deal with voidable years to get a cap number that works. Such a deal could include big incentives if Clark exceeds five sacks in the regular season, then the incentives earned would come out of next year’s cap if it pushes the team over the cap this season. Clark could be the player who nudges the Seahawks past the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West."
Clark, who has spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, had a solid but not spectacular season with five sacks in 2022. His playoff run was much more impressive, though, posting 2.5 sacks in three games and helping the Chiefs win another ring. Clark seems to always bring his A-game in the playoffs, with his 13.5 career postseason sacks ranking third in NFL history.
However, there are a few things preventing this signing from being a slam dunk. For one, Clark could still command a hefty contract that Seattle might not be able to afford. For two, the Seahawks now run a 3-4 defense, not the 4-3 Clark is accustomed to. Being a 3-4 edge rusher is significantly different from being one in a 4-3, and Clark's game may not translate well to that new role.
Clark's return to Seattle would certainly be interesting, but there are some major obstacles in the way.
You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News
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