With the Denver Broncos stumbling out of the playoff picture, we’re seeing the beginning stages of a firesale as they continue shipping out older players on a big contract. It started with Randy Gregory, and now Frank Clark is the latest player to be let go by Denver.
Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, is likely to prioritize a situation where he can contend for a chance to win his third Super Bowl Trophy.
Perhaps that’s why league sources already expect Clark to rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs if he clears waivers.
Clark agreed to a pay cut earlier this week, giving Denver a chance to recoup some value for the offseason signee. However, a trade never materialized, and unlike the situation with Gregory, which turned into a trade to San Francisco, Clark’s release has already been processed.
Now, Clark is set to have a base salary of $1.1 million, but he’ll only get that amount if another team places a waiver claim on him first. If the other 31 teams decide he’s not worth the money, Clark will enter free agency and can negotiate a new contract with any organization he chooses.
If Clark does head back to Kansas City, he’ll rejoin a rotation that includes Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Michael Danna. The trio have combined for 11.5 of the team’s 17 sacks this season. Clark previously played four seasons with the Chiefs, tallying 23.5 sacks across 58 appearances. He has yet to record his first sack this season, but has played just 36 snaps across two games.
Related: Super Bowl odds: Every team’s championship futures for 2023 NFL season