The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are looking to create a more sustainable salary cap situation heading into NFL free agency next week.
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that Kansas City was not going to place the franchise tag on four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., potentially creating a major hole in protecting league-MVP Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
Now, ESPN’S Adam Schefter tweeted on Monday that the Chiefs are planning to release three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Frank Clark after failing to come to terms on a reworked contract during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Clark, 29, has long been on the chopping block. He was set to count $28.68 million against the cap in 2023. By making this move, Kansas City saves $21 million. It was roughly $500,000 over the cap before opting to move off Clark.
Outside of the finances, this creates another hole for the Chiefs heading into free agency. Acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2019 campaign, Clark has registered 59 quarterback hits, 32 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks in four seasons with Kansas City.
The former West Virginia standout also turned it up big time when it counted the most. Clark recorded four quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks in Kansas City’s two AFC Playoff games before they took down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.
With Clark gone, the Chiefs will turn to 2022 first-round pick George Karlaftis to up his game even more. Meanwhile, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist Chris Jones will continue to do his thing at defensive tackle in Kansas City.
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