Denver Broncos signing ex-Chiefs edge rusher Frank Clark to one-year deal
According to many reports, veteran edge rusher Frank Clark is joining the Denver Broncos for a one-year contract that includes a $5.5 million fully guaranteed clause. Clark’s contract, which was finalized on Thursday, has incentives worth up to $7.5 million.
Three-time Pro Bowler Clark was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on March 7 after their attempt to renegotiate his contract failed.
After being traded by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, Clark, who turns 30 next week, is in his first season as an NFL player. During his four seasons with the Chiefs, he participated in 58 regular-season games and recorded 23.5 sacks.
Additionally, Clark participated in 12 postseason games with the Chiefs and recorded 10.5 sacks, three of which came against the Houston Rockets in the divisional round.Texans after the 2019 campaign.
According to ESPN, Clark is third all-time with 13.5 career postseason sacks. Throughout his career in regular season play, he has 58.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles.
The NFL banned Clark for two games in 2022 for breaking the personal conduct rules of the organization. After entering a no contest plea in September to two misdemeanor charges of possessing an assault weapon in Los Angeles, Clark was given a year of probation and forty hours of community service.
READ MORE: Report on the 2023 NFL Offseason: Denver Broncos
The Broncos signed offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers, two of the best free agents available. In terms of PFF WAR in 2022, Powers placed 15th among guards, while McGlinchey was PFF’s 11th-ranked free agent.
• Best offseason decision: The Broncos should now have a strong starting offensive line thanks to the two large free-agent additions.
• Prognosis for 2023: Denver might be a surprise playoff club if head coach Sean Payton can get Russell Wilson to perform at a level reminiscent of his Seattle days.
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When the NFL offseason of 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to evaluate each team’s performance in building a stronger roster.
Observing sensational deals and high-profile additions to astute draft choices PFF provides a thorough analysis of all 32 NFL clubs’ picks, illuminating the possible effects these changes may have on the teams’ fortunes in the forthcoming season.
This summer, Denver subtly improved both its offensive and defensive lines. Dre’Mont Jones, a former inside defender with the Broncos, got a lucrative contract with Seattle, although in each of the previous two seasons, he received a PFF rating below 60.0. In his place, Zach Allen was signed by Denver for less money from Arizona than Jones received from Seattle. In 2022, Allen rated 15th in PFF WAR while Jones ranked 60th.
Conversely, the Broncos acquired offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers, two of the best free agents available. In terms of PFF WAR in 2022, Powers placed 15th among guards, while McGlinchey was our eleventh-ranked free agent.
Due to the Russell Wilson trade from the previous year, Denver was not in possession of a first-round choice; nonetheless, they took advantage of the scenario by selecting three strong players on Day 2.
Despite his height, wide receiver Marvin Mims can still do it all, as seen by his 54.5% contested catch percentage. He is well-known for his after-the-catch abilities.
Although linebacker Drew Sanders is a good player off the ball, the Broncos should take use of his special pass-rush ability.
Best move of the offseason: Offensive line overhaul
With the two big free-agent signings, the Broncos should now have a formidable starting five up front. Powers’ 86.7 run-blocking grade ranked second among the league’s guards last season, and McGlinchey has put up an above-average PFF grade in all five of his professional seasons.
Remaining team needs: RB
Running back Javonte Williams tore his ACL, PCL and LCL in his right knee last October, and while Sean Payton recently offered some optimism that he may be ready for the start of the season, expectations that Williams could approach his previous level of athleticism this season probably need to be tempered.
The Broncos did sign former Bengals backup RB Samaje Perine, but there is little depth behind him, and Denver could be in the market for another veteran back come August.
Early position battle to watch: Marvin Mims vs. Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick
Jerry Jeudy is set as the slot receiver and top target of the unit, but past injury issues surrounding the other Broncos pass-catchers could pave the way to a significant early role for rookie Marvin Mims.
Courtland Sutton has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons with shoulder, knee and hamstring issues, and Tim Patrick missed all of last season with an ACL injury suffered in training camp.
2023 Outlook
There’s no question that Denver has a rough road through the highly competitive AFC West, and the play of Russell Wilson in 2022 doesn’t leave a ton of room for optimism. However, the rest of the pieces are now largely there for the offense, and an already-strong defense could improve with Allen’s arrival.
If Sean Payton can get Wilson playing at a level more reminiscent of his Seattle days, Denver could be a surprise playoff team in 2023.
