One NFL insider reports that the Chiefs are looking at their options with Frank Clark. With a $26.3 million salary-cap hit in 2022, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler tweeted that the expectation is Kansas City may trade, release, or restructure the contract of the Pro Bowl defensive end.
"Watch for San Francisco as a potential option here," wrote Fowler (h/t Rohan Chakravarthi), which seems like an odd match for several reasons. "The 49ers will be looking for a speed rusher to help Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead."
The expectation among many around league is Chiefs DE Frank Clark is traded, released or his contract is reworked. His $26.3M cap hit a tough sell for KC. Watch for 49ers as potential new home. https://t.co/VYrSu1EUym
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2022
It's worth noting that Fowler doesn't name the 49ers as a team interested in Clark. Instead, his statement appears to be an opinion of a potentially good fit for the defensive end.
While the 49ers would undoubtedly welcome a veteran pass rusher, OverTheCap has the team $9.6 million over the $208.2 million salary cap, which goes into effect on Wednesday. That's when NFL teams must be at or below that mark.
Yes, trading quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will free up a lot of money—over $25 million. However, the 49ers still have to deal with re-signing some of their own impending free agents and extending the contracts of young stars like defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In addition, San Francisco might have more pressing free-agency needs, like bolstering the defensive backfield, solidifying the guard position, and finding a complementary tight end to pair with an overworked George Kittle.
Adding a player like Clark would also be uncharacteristic of the 49ers. Aside from the potential character concerns, it wouldn't be easy for the Niners to take over the veteran defender's salary after a trade. Nor are they likely to get involved in a bidding war if he were released. There is also a lot of pass-rush talent in the upcoming draft.
Nope. Plenty of talented DEs on the market for the 49ers. Character concerns are huge for this organization.#49wz https://t.co/tXut1TiJGd
— Rohan Chakravarthi (@rohanSports27) March 13, 2022
Clark, a defensive end with seven years of experience, spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since 2019. Clark recorded 22 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 17 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 14 starts last season. His sack total in 2021 was his lowest since a three-sack rookie campaign in 2015.
Clark earned a career-low 54.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2021.