While it would appear Frank Clark would be a critical part of the Seahawks’ core going forward, being by far the franchise’s top edge rusher, he continues to be mentioned as a trade candidate.
Several teams are interested in Clark, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (video link). This will-they/won’t-they saga will “definitely” be settled by draft time, Rapoport adds.
Pete Carroll said the standout defensive end will be part of the 2019 Seahawks, and the team used its franchise tag for the first time in nine years in order to retain Clark. Negotiations began on a new deal earlier this offseason, and the sides made progress in early March. But it’s not certain if they’ve closed the gap since. It’s possible the Cowboys’ subsequent $21MM-AAV deal for DeMarcus Lawrence has complicated the Clark talks. Like Lawrence did before his extension, Clark has said he will not report to training camp without a new deal.
Clark may be able to fetch a first-round pick. At 25, he is two years younger than Dee Ford — who netted the Chiefs a 2020 second-rounder in a tag-and-trade swap with the 49ers — and has been more consistent. Although Clark became a Week 1 starter for the first time last season, he registered 19 sacks between the 2016-17 slates prior to his 13-sack 2018. But his departure would obviously leave a major hole on Seattle’s depth chart, especially considering the team does not have a surefire starter opposite Clark.
Teams were interested in a Clark tag-and-trade transaction at free agency’s outset, but the Seahawks are believed to only be motivated to move the fifth-year player if they are blown away by an offer. The Seahawks just authorized a record-breaking Russell Wilson contract, but John Schneider said the quarterback’s deal will not impact Clark’s situation. Following the Wilson re-up, the Seahawks hold just more than $9MM in cap space.
Schneider said recently he would like to acquire additional draft capital this year. No team holds fewer than the Seahawks’ six picks. Although Seattle often gains draft picks by trading back in the first round, trading Clark would obviously be a way to procure at least one high-value choice.
The Seahawks should offer the Raiders Clark and their # 21 pick for the Raiders 4th pick.
Considering Clark would need a new contract, I don’t think the Raiders would do that. If the Raiders weren’t willing to give Mack a big contract, I doubt they would part with the 4th overall pick to give Frank Clark a big contract. There’s an off chance they could wind up with Bosa or Allen at their current spot.
A new contract could be an obstacle, but maybe Gruden learned something from the Mack trade. Additionally, they would also get the Hawks 1st round pick (#21) giving them a needed pass rusher and still with 3 1st round picks (21, 24 & 27) while the Seahawks would move up to the #4 pick. Seems like a win-win to me.
Nope! Raiders wouldn’t be interested. Would rather have a DE from this class than Frank Clark on a huge contract.
If Frank Clark still had another year or two on his deal, I’d agree that it would be a win-win. But the Raiders in this case would be giving up a potential blue chip prospect as they’ll likely have their pick of the prospects after Kyler, Bosa, and Allen (or even one of those 3) plus having to give Clark a contract that would likely be around $18m+ AAV, and assuming he fits in and continues to play well to be worth his contract. Considering that getting a first round pick alone would be a great return for Clark, Clark for one of Oakland’s other first round picks (24 or 27) just makes more sense in terms of value. Oakland could probably throw in another mid round pick as sweetner and Seattle would probably be ecstatic. Considering how many holes Oakland has on their defense, Clark isn’t going to fix enough holes on his own and he’s definitely not worth dropping back 17 spots.
The Raiders have said that they were not going to trade the 4th pick for Antonio Brown and the Steelers 1st rounders I why would they do it for Frank Clark?
Apples & Oranges the Raiders new they could get AB for less than a 1st round pick.
Frank Clark isnt a complete headcase tho.
If it was pick 10-14, I think something like that would be a possibility. But 4 is just too high with all of this defensive line talent. If you hot at #4 and have a good draft, Jonny boy may have a chance.
They could just draft a DE and sign Ziggy to a 1yr deal as depth
Will the browns kick the tires on this again on one of the best defensive ends out there