Denver Broncos, Frank Clark agree to pay cut; Is a trade next?

To say the Denver Broncos’ season has been a disappointment thus far would be undercutting the situation developing in Colorado. A team that entered the 2022 offseason with Super Bowl expectations has come nowhere close to living up to the early hype. We’ve seen players like Randy Gregory traded, and now another key addition appears to be spending his last days with the Broncos.

Pro Bowl edge rusher Frank Clark agreed to a pay cut on Thursday, slashing his $3.5 million base salary down to the league minimum ($841K). Clark also paid $1.6 million back to the Broncos to complete the contract restructure.

So, why is a player giving up hard-earned cash?

Chances are, Clark sees the writing on the wall, with the Broncos stumbling out to a 1-4 start, looking like one of the worst teams in the NFL. He knows that reducing his 2023 salary increases the likelihood of the 30-year-old ending up with a contender down the stretch.

Being that he’s played just 36 defensive snaps and has yet to contribute to the sack column in that limited amount of action, teams likely weren’t eager to trade for him at his previous price.

But now that he’s on a budget contract, other teams seeking a pass-rusher may be more intrigued by the three-time Pro Bowl sack artist. Another potential outcome could lead to Clark’s release from the team. With the Broncos expected to continue embracing the youth movement, Clark doesn’t appear to have a future with the team.

The Broncos hit the road to take on their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, on Thursday Night Football. Even though Taylor Swift will be in attendance, Clark is not expected to play after previously being ruled out with an illness.

Clark has spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and four with the Chiefs. It’s possible we’ll see either of his former teams get involved in trade discussions for their former player again. With 58.5 sacks to his name, someone will surely see the value in the two-time Super Bowl champion.