KC Chiefs: The pros and cons of keeping Frank Clark in 2022
By Grant Tuttle
The Pros of keeping Frank Clark for another season:
1. Continuity and Chemistry
The first point of order is to point out the chemistry that has been formed over the past several years of Clark’s career. Clark has been with Kansas City for three seasons and has undoubtedly built relationships and chemistry with players and coaches alike.
Coaches understand Clark’s overall body of work and his strengths and deficiencies. Chris Jones and other defensive linemen have worked on a daily basis with Clark. This is crucial to a defense. For instance, the linebackers know how Clark fills gaps and keeps contained. Other defensive linemen know exactly how he operates on stunts.
This is one of the biggest reasons to hold on to Clark in 2022-2023. So much of what it takes to succeed as a defensive unit is being able to play as a group and know your job/role. Clark undoubtedly knows his role and is well-suited for what Steve Spagnuolo likes at defensive end.
2. Emotional leader and playoff magic
Frank Clark is now a three-time Pro Bowler. While the Pro Bowl is primarily a popularity contest and is less fun to watch than most high school football games, it is viewed as a point of pride in the NFL. When players are mentioned as Hall of Famers, stats are often the first bullet point. Then, Super Bowls are considered. Third and finally, it comes down to season awards and Pro Bowls. In all three years with the Chiefs, he was able to secure enough votes to gain that distinction.
Most fans can recall the iconic moment that Frank Clark stood on the sidelines during the Super Bowl and said, “I smell blood in the water.” Referencing the fact that the Chiefs were moments away from taking over the game. Clark and company came up big when they beat the San Fransisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. That is not the only time that Clark has made a splash in the playoffs.
Clark is now sitting at 5th all-time in playoff sacks with 11. This is more than several players who are in the Hall of Fame. This has also all been done by the age of 28. His playoff magic and ability to make a crucial play can’t be ignored. If Brett Veach and Andy Reid keep him around for another year, this could be a major factor as to why.
3. A lack of comparable or cheaper options on the open market.
The question on everyone’s mind is, “What will the roster look like next year?” Rightfully so. Brett Veach is known to make overcorrections and pour all of his resources into one area. Many are wondering whether the Chiefs are looking at another defensive rebuild this offseason. If Frank Clark is released, then who is there to replace him?
While optimistic fans point to Joshua Kaindoh as a viable replacement, it seems unlikely that the Chiefs would be willing to take such a risk on an unproven player coming off of an injury that sidelined him for much of the season. Then again, who really knows? With that in mind, here are a few of the top-tier free agents that the Chiefs could sign to replace Clark.
- Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins
- Jadeveon Clowney, Cleveland Browns
- Justin Houston, Baltimore Ravens
- Charles Harris, Detroit Lions
- Arden Key, San Fransisco 49ers
On this list, a Chiefs fan can immediately spot Ogbah and Houston as former Chiefs. Are any of the players on this list of the same caliber as Clark? Maybe. Are they going to come at a lower cost? Some of them.
One thing to note during free agency is that players at the top of their respective positions get paid more than they may deserve. That is not to say that these contracts never work out, but they are more often than not, huge deals. Ogbah may command a pretty high number because of his high production and the fact that he is still just 28 years old, which is often still considered the “prime” of one’s career.
Clowney has a history of injury but just recorded the second-highest sack total of his career with nine. It should be noted that he spent last season on the same defensive line as Myles Garrett. Who knows what kind of production he could have in Kansas City? It is far from a guarantee that Clowney will be an upgrade over Frank Clark. With the cost that may be associated with Clowney and the lingering injury history, Clark may be the safer option for the next season.
All in all, Clark may be pricey, but he also may be the safest option for next season.