The Denver Broncos have committed to making roster changes in the coming weeks, and the first move was a one-year deal with veteran defensive end Frank Clark. The move comes after the Kansas City Chiefs released Clark on March 1st when they were unable to come to an agreement with his agent on a reworked contract. According to multiple team sources, Clark’s deal with the Broncos could be worth up to $7.5 million, with a $5.5 million base salary that is guaranteed.
Depth Chart on the Edge
The Broncos have room on the depth chart on the edge, given that linebacker Baron Browning has not participated in on-field work during OTAs and recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to repair cartilage damage. Additionally, Randy Gregory had an injury-marred season in 2022 that included a knee injury. Gregory was signed to a five-year, $70 million deal as a free agent a year ago, but due to a Week 4 knee injury, he played in just six games and finished with two sacks.
Payton’s Promise to Retool
Broncos coach Sean Payton has consistently promised to retool the team’s thin roster, and he reaffirmed that commitment after Thursday’s practice. “I’ve said it, you’re going to churn certain position groups based on getting a chance to look at other players,” Payton said.
Clark’s Productivity on the Field
Clark played in 58 regular-season games over four seasons with the Chiefs, totaling 23.5 sacks. He often had his most productive games in the postseason, playing in 12 playoff games for the Chiefs and recording 10.5 sacks. He had three sacks in a divisional round game against the Houston Texans after the 2019 season. Counting his time with the Seahawks, Clark has 13.5 career postseason sacks, which is the third-most in NFL history.
Clark was suspended by the NFL for two games during the 2022 season for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. In September, he pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to two counts of misdemeanor possession of an assault weapon and was sentenced to one year of probation and 40 hours of community service. Despite these off-field issues, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has 58.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles in his career.
The Denver Broncos have signed veteran defensive end Frank Clark to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, including a $5.5 million base salary that is guaranteed. The team has room on the depth chart on the edge, and Clark’s productivity on the field could help bolster the Broncos’ defense. Despite his off-field issues, Clark’s career numbers make him a valuable addition to the team as they look to retool their roster.
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