Former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark took no time at all before commanding a big-money deal from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Well, that didn’t take long. Just minutes after news leaked that the Kansas City Chiefs had traded significant draft assets in return for pass rusher Frank Clark, the news also leaked on Clark’s shiny new contract.
The Chiefs have reportedly agreed to pay Clark up to $105.5 million over the course of the next five seasons with $63 million of that guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.
Clark is now the highest paid member of a Chiefs defense that has been dramatically overhauled over the last two months. Eric Berry used to be the highest paid safety in football and he was released. Justin Houston was once a $20 million per year player himself, but he was also shown the door. Dee Ford was on the verge of earning a similar deal, but the Chiefs decided to let the San Francisco 49ers pay the piper instead.
Clark is the shiny new import intended to anchor the Chiefs defense under Steve Spagnuolo for the next five years, a now-young anchor coming into his prime as a fearsome pass rusher for which front lines must account. Clark had 13 sacks last year for the Seahawks and has 32 over the last three seasons. His consistent ability to disrupt the pocket will be a focal point as the Chiefs new defensive coordinator puts together his game plans.
The finances here are interesting knowing that the Chiefs are also working on a big-money deal for Chris Jones, an interior pass rusher who is likely to approach the same figures here (or even dwarf them). Tyreek Hill, the team’s best offensive weapon, is also due an extension, although ongoing drama could keep that commitment at bay for some time.
The Chiefs surrendered a second-round pick in 2020 and their first round pick this year (along with a swap of third round choices) in order to secure the services of Clark.