Defensive end Frank Clark and the Chiefs have agreed on a restructured deal Ian Rapoport reports on Monday night. Clarks was a cap casualty and speculated to be released this off-season, but that is no longer the case.
Obviously, General Manager Brett Veach and his Chiefs staff have other plans in mind, with earlier reports indicating the team would rather restructure than release Clark outright. Now, the sides have agreed on a two-year deal worth $29 million with the potential to be worth $36 million if Clark plays well enough.
Clark, 28, originally signed a five-year contract in 2019 that was worth $104 million with $62.3 million guaranteed and included a $19 million signing bonus. Clark would’ve been a $26.3 million hit against the 2022 salary cap if he continued to play through the life of that deal.
This new deal Clark’s under is projected to save the Chiefs roughly $11.56 million against the cap.
Since Kansas City acquired him via trade with Seattle in 2019, Clark played his best football when the Chiefs needed him the most during their postseason runs, leading to four appearances in the AFC Championship and two trips to the Super Bowl, and one championship.
However, he’s failed to be the consistent pass rusher Kansas City paid him to be throughout an entire 17-game regular season. This new deal will give Clark the extra incentive to go the extra mile since he could earn an additional $7 million if he plays well enough, as previously mentioned.
In 40 regular-season starts for the Chiefs, Clarks recorded 88 tackles (63 solo), 81 pressures, 46 QB hits, 18.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
