The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant move to bolster their defense by signing former Denver Broncos pass rusher, Frank Clark. Pending a physical, the team sources have confirmed this signing, as reported by CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development:
1. Broncos released Clark two weeks ago: After signing him to a one-year deal worth $5.45 million guaranteed in June, the Broncos decided to release Clark. This move presented an opportunity for the Seahawks to acquire his services.
2. Limited playing time this season: Clark, who is 30 years old, has only played 36 snaps in two games this season. Despite his limited playing time, he brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Seahawks’ defense.
3. Impressive career statistics: The three-time Pro Bowler spent the first four seasons of his career with the Seahawks and has accumulated an impressive 58 1/2 sacks over his nine years in the league. This track record showcases his ability to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why add Clark?
The Seahawks have a pressing need for an edge rusher due to starting outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s season-ending injury. Nwosu suffered a pec injury in Seattle’s recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Clark’s addition will help fill this void and provide much-needed support to the team’s pass rush. While Clark didn’t register any pass-rush statistics in his limited playing time this season, he did record a couple of tackles against the Raiders in Week 1.
Clark’s recent success in Kansas City:
Clark’s most recent stint with the Kansas City Chiefs was highly productive. He recorded 14 quarterback hits, five sacks, and had a pressure rate of 10.2 percent. This pressure rate ranked 80th among the 178 defenders with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to TruMedia. Clark’s performance was slightly better than Seattle’s Darrell Taylor, who led the team with 9 1/2 sacks and had a pressure rate of 10 percent.
What he brings to Seattle:
Clark’s impact goes beyond his regular-season performance. He has excelled in the postseason, making three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2021. In 12 career postseason games, he recorded 10 1/2 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. His best season came in 2018 when he set a single-season career high with 27 quarterback hits and 13 sacks. This season remains Seattle’s most recent with a player surpassing 10 sacks and is the highest single-season total of the Pete Carroll era.
Clark’s familiarity with the Seahawks:
Clark’s return to Seattle should be a smooth transition due to his familiarity with the team. He had his most successful season in 2018 with the Seahawks, where he worked closely with Clint Hurtt as his position coach and Jarran Reed as his running mate on the defensive line. Reed, who had 10 1/2 sacks that year, is now the captain of the defensive line, and Hurtt is the defensive coordinator. The presence of familiar faces like Bobby Wagner and Carroll will further facilitate Clark’s integration into the team.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks’ signing of Frank Clark is a significant move that addresses their need for an edge rusher. Clark brings a wealth of experience, impressive career statistics, and postseason success to the team. His familiarity with the Seahawks’ system and coaching staff should ensure a seamless transition. With Clark’s addition, the Seahawks’ defense is poised to become even more formidable as they continue their pursuit of success in the NFL.