KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark is staying in Kansas City, according to reports.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the restructured deal Monday night.
Pro Bowl DE Frank Clark has re-worked his contract to stay in KC. New deal is 2 yrs/ $29m base with upside to $36m.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2022
Clark, acquired via trade with Seattle for a package that included a first-round pick in 2019, was slated for a $26.3-million salary cap hit in 2022 and $27.8 million in 2023 — costs that outpaced his production.
Plagued by injuries since his arrival in Kansas City, Clark's yearly sack total has dropped from eight to six to 4.5 in his three seasons with the Chiefs.
The restructured deal is for two years with a $29-million base. It includes up to an additional $7 million in incentives.
Had the Chiefs simply cut Clark, it would have left the club with $13.6 million in dead money against the cap and left yet another hole for General Manager Brett Veach to fill at defensive end, a position sorely in need of an upgrade anyway after Kansas City ranked 29th in the NFL with 31 sacks last season.
Instead, the Chiefs keep Clark, who remains effective the edge against the run even if he's lost his value as an elite pass-rusher, for a nominal salary-cut hit above what it would have cost to part ways.
Reworking Clark's contract was the second notable defensive move by the Chiefs on Monday evening.
According to multiple reports, the Chiefs also signed free agent safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal.
