The Seattle Seahawks are making moves to strengthen their defensive front by signing edge rusher Frank Clark to a one-year deal. After losing outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu for the rest of the season, the Seahawks sought to bring back the three-time Pro Bowler who spent his first four seasons with the team. Clark’s interest in returning to his original team sealed the deal, and he is set to join his former teammates in Seattle.
Clark, who played for the Seahawks from 2015 to 2018, was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2019 draft. However, after a short stint with the Denver Broncos, he became a free agent in October 2021. Despite interest from other teams, Clark expressed his desire to return to Seattle, where he began his career. The Denver Broncos released Clark just two games into the season, and he recorded two tackles in limited playing time.
The Seahawks’ decision to sign Clark stems from the loss of Nwosu, their standout edge player. Nwosu suffered a pec injury and will require season-ending surgery. With this setback, the Seahawks needed to bolster their defensive front to fill the void left by their best edge player. Clark’s return to Seattle provides a much-needed boost to the Seahawks’ defensive lineup.
Clark will enter a mix of talented players that includes Boye Mafe, Darrell Taylor, and rookie second-round pick Derick Hall. With 35 sacks in 62 regular-season games during his previous tenure with the Seahawks, Clark brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to the team. As a former starter since 2017, he transitioned from a rotational rusher to a key part of the Seahawks’ defense.
The Seahawks initially placed the franchise tag on Clark after the 2018 season, indicating their belief in his skills. However, they traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs, in part because they didn’t think they could re-sign him the following offseason. Clark signed a lucrative five-year, $104 million extension with the Chiefs and continued to excel. He earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his first three seasons with Kansas City and played a crucial role in their victory in Super Bowl LIV.
Frank Clark’s return to the Seattle Seahawks is a significant move to reinforce their defensive front. With the loss of Uchenna Nwosu to a season-ending injury, the team needed a player of Clark’s caliber to step up. Clark’s impressive track record, experience, and familiarity with the organization will undoubtedly strengthen the Seahawks’ defense. As they navigate the rest of the season, the acquisition of Clark demonstrates the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the league.