The Kansas City Chiefs have a decision to make on DE Frank Clark in the coming days.
Clark’s cap hit for the 2022 NFL season is a whopping $26.3 million — the third-highest on the team before any contract restructures. Acquired in trade and extended on a five-year $104-million-dollar deal ahead of the 2019 NFL season, many expect that Clark’s high salary-cap number will lead to the Chiefs cutting him for savings. He could save the team anywhere from $12.7 million to $19.5 million depending on whether Clark is released outright or designated a post-June 1 release.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach knows he has work to do when it comes to Clark’s cap hit. With Clark expressing his desire to stay in Kansas City at the conclusion of the season, there exists a possibility that releasing Clark isn’t the only way to get his cap number down. Veach suggested that a restructure isn’t beyond the realm of possibility on Tuesday.
“That’s certainly a high number,” Veach told media members after his podium session at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, via The Athletic. “We’ll have to work on that — and do a lot of work on that if he were to stay here. If it’s close, something usually gets done. If it’s far off, then it’ll probably go in a different direction. It may be a long shot, but it’s not impossible.”
Expect the Chiefs to meet with Clark’s representation at the combine to figure out the best path forward. A restructure would likely involve voiding the 2023 year in Clark’s contract, lowering his 2022 base salary and adding some non-prorated signing bonus money to keep him happy. Ultimately, it’ll come down to whether Clark truly wants to stay in Kansas City or explore his options as a free agent. Given his performance in 2021, a restructure could give him the best opportunity to cash in as a free agent in the future.
