The Seattle Seahawks have been vocal about saying they want to sign defensive end Frank Clark to a long-term extension, but a new report suggests they could be looking to trade him, instead.
Much like what the Kansas City Chiefs did with Dee Ford — using the franchise tag to secure him, then trading him to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round pick — the Seahawks are reportedly open to a similar move with Clark.
“Multiple league sources have told FanSided they believe Seattle is willing to hear trade offers, provided they include a second-round pick as a starting point,” wrote Matt Verderame of FanSided.
Seattle knows it won’t be cheap to sign Clark to a long-term deal, especially in light of the deal Dallas gave DeMarcus Lawrence last week.
Making things even more complicated for the Seahawks, quarterback Russell Wilson is set to break the NFL record for richest contract whenever he signs his long-term deal. Seattle has other players it needs to pay as well, and the team’s cap situation ($11.5 million per Over the Cap) is tight.
Elite pass rushers are one of the hottest commodities in the NFL these days. If Seattle really is shopping Clark, or is at least taking calls for him, they’ll certainly have plenty of interest. The past three seasons, he has tallied 32 sacks while consistently putting pressure on quarterbacks.