Latest NFL News: Former Chiefs star Frank Clark hits free agency after Broncos release

Is Frank Clark the Final Roster Move the Browns Will Make This Offseason? – Sports4CLE, 5/9/23

Per the NFL’s transactions wire, the Denver Broncos released outside linebacker Frank Clark on Saturday. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the release occurred after the team failed to find a trade partner.

The release had been in the works for a while. As reported by ESPN and NFL Media, the former Pro Bowler, who inked a fully guaranteed $5.45 million deal this summer, recently altered his contract to expedite a trade or release.

Earlier this week, Clark also willingly returned $1,679 million from his base salary to facilitate his departure. The self-initiated pay cut, along with his absence from Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, signaled the inevitability of his release.

Short-lived stint

Clark previously signed a one-year contract with the Broncos in June. However, his time in Denver was short-lived. The Broncos have now turned to Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper as their primary edge rushers.

During his stint with the Broncos, Clark played only two games, with 25 snaps in the season opener and 11 in his Week 5 return. Even so, the veteran missed three weeks due to a hip injury and was later listed as inactive for an illness.

While his recent performance has led to his release, Clark had an impressive career in his first eight seasons. He had amassed 58.5 sacks with the Seattle Seahawks and Chiefs, including two Super Bowl victories.

In 2018, Clark notched 2.5 sacks against quarterback Derek Carr and made four tackles in a 27–3 victory against the Oakland Raiders, earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week title. Throughout the season, he started in all 16 games. He accumulated a total of 41 combined tackles, 13 sacks, two pass deflections, one interception and three forced fumbles.

Now entering the free-agent market, a reunion with the Chiefs remains a possible landing spot. Clark was pivotal in the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl victories from 2019 to 2022.

Furthermore, defensive tackle Chris Jones has expressed his support for Clark’s return despite the likelihood of a rotational role. Clark’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system makes a return all the more appealing.

Second release after Gregory

Clark is not the only player released by the Broncos recently. The team has also seen the departure of Clark’s teammate and fellow edge rusher, Randy Gregory. The veteran was traded to the San Fransisco 49ers at the last minute on October 6.

Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed that Gregory’s release was due to the team’s plan to focus on the development of their younger players. After deliberations between Payton, general manager George Paton and owner/CEO Greg Penner, the team determined that releasing Gregory was the most suitable course of action.

Payton also clarified that the decision to release Gregory resulted from a collective decision and denied claims that Gregory had specifically requested the release.

In March 2022, Gregory inked a fully guaranteed five-year, $70 million deal. The Roster Management System confirmed his $14 million base salary for this season and an additional $5 million for the next season.

Recently, against the Chicago Bears, Gregory was taken out of the starting lineup, making way for second-year outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. He logged 33 snaps on Sunday, wrapping up the game with three tackles and one quarterback hit. His performance this season stands at nine tackles in four games, with just one sack to his name.