UPDATE: 2:17 p.m. Arrowhead Time The Chiefs make the Clark trade official, via their official Twitter account, with statements from Andy Reid and Brett Veach. VEACH: “We were able to reach an agreement with the Seahawks that we felt was mutually beneficial. I’d like to thank Frank’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, and his team for their effort in making this happen. We believe Frank is a premier player in this league and an elite pass rusher. In his four seasons in Seattle, he established himself as a leader in the locker room, and we’re looking forward to bringing him here to help our defense.” REID: “We’re happy to add Frank to our team. Competing against him and watching his film, you can see how physical and impressive he is in both the run and the pass game. He’s young and has consistently played at a high level since he entered the league. Congrats to Brett and his team, as well as Frank’s representatives on getting this deal done.” The Chiefs will welcome Clark to the team in a press conference beginning at 2:30 p.m. Arrowhead Time on Friday. On Wednesday, more details about the trade the Kansas City Chiefs made to acquire Seattle Seahawks defensive Frank Clark emerged. We now have an initial read on the details of the contract the Chiefs negotiated with Clark after making the trade with Seattle. In a series of tweets, friend-of-the-site Terez Paylor laid out the details. Clark's deal is worth $104 million over 5 years. He has base salaries of $805k in 2019, $24m in 2020, $18.5m in 2021, $19m in 2022 and $20.5m in 2023 — Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) April 24, 2019 Initially reported as a $105.5 million deal — just eclipsing the reported $105 million contract for Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence — it is actually a $104 million contract that includes $1.5 million in incentives. Paylor reported that Clark has a $300K incentive that is triggered by 11.5 sacks in each of the five years of the contract. Since Clark has 22 sacks in the last two seasons, these bonuses are probably going to be considered as likely to be earned for salary cap purposes. Based on the information Paylor provided, here’s what the contract looks like: Frank Clark Contract Year Base SgnBonus Workout Incentives CapHit Dead Savings 2019 $805K* $3.8M $195K $300K $5.1M $43.8M -$38.7M 2020 $24.0M* $3.8M $500K $300K $28.6M $39.2M -$10.6M 2021 $18.5M* $3.8M $500K $300K $23.1M $29.9M -$6.8M 2022 $19.0M $3.8M $500K $300K $23.6M $7.6M $16M 2023 $20.5M $3.8M $500K $300K $25.1M $3.8M $21.3M *gtd $82.8M $19M* $2.2M $1.5M $105.5M This deal has several features similar to other contracts Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has negotiated thus far. The signing bonus is relatively low, and the guaranteed money is all in the first three years of the five-year contract; Clark could be cut after the 2021 season, leaving just $7.6 million in dead money and $37 million in cap savings over the last two years of the deal. There is also a hefty workout bonus in each year of the contract — another hallmark of a Veach contract. To be sure, Frank Clark will be an expensive player for the Chiefs. But for such a contract, it is structured in pretty favorable terms for the team.<doc-sep>Share this Story: KRYK: Chiefs pay steep price to acquire Frank Clark KRYK: Chiefs pay steep price to acquire Frank Clark Photo by Ted S. Warren / AP, File Article content Former Seahawk now feels ‘appreciated’ with new $105M deal How badly did the Kansas City Chiefs want Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark? We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or KRYK: Chiefs pay steep price to acquire Frank Clark Back to video Bad enough to pay a steep price in high draft picks, then give Clark a new contract worth $105.5 million over five years, according to ESPN. Wowza. In a trade that numerous reports said went down Tuesday afternoon, even if neither NFL club immediately confirmed it, the Chiefs are sending Seahawks the following in exchange for the impact edge rusher: * Kansas City’s No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night; * And the lower of K.C.’s two second-round picks in the 2020 draft. In return, the Chiefs got Clark plus, with a swap of same-round picks on Friday, the privilege of choosing eight spots earlier in the third round, 84th overall instead of 92nd. Hopefully the Chiefs are as happy as Clark, who told ESPN: “I feel like I’m good. I wanted to be somewhere I’m wanted, where I’m appreciated. I thank God that K.C. came in and show that … In life, you just want to be shown that you are appreciated sometimes, and I feel like this was one of those times.” Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content That hurricane-force wind you surely felt Tuesday afternoon was a relieved world exhaling in unison at once. Seattle thus loses another defensive staple of the past 4-5 seasons in Clark. With his rookie contract expired, the 25-year-old had refused to sign the franchise tag the club slapped on him early last month, even though it would have paid him a fully guaranteed $17.13 million this season and, conceivably, bought more time to work out a long-term deal with the Seahawks, either by this year’s mid-July deadline or early next year by mid March. In four seasons as a Seahawk after leaving Michigan a year early, Clark missed only two games, started 33, registered 35 sacks — including 13 a year ago — plus had 72 QB hits, 35 tackles-for-loss and eight forced fumbles. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The Chiefs thus continue a massive overhaul of a defence that proved an enormous disappointment in recent seasons, despite star players at each level. Clark surely can be an impact performer in new defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s base 4-3 system, as a featured rush end. Previous co-ordinator Bob Sutton employed a 3-4 base, in which Clark would have been a poor fit. K.C. last month traded one of two star edge-rushing linebackers, Dee Ford, to San Francisco, for a second-round pick in 2020 — an acquisition more or less negated in the Clark swap. Reports Tuesday said $63.5 million of Clark’s new contract is guaranteed. Whew. Now that’s appreciation. RAMS COMMIT TO GOFF: There were wisps of speculation after QB Jared Goff struggled in the Super Bowl that the Los Angeles Rams might actually move on from him, rather than re-sign the now fourth-year player to a monster contract before his sixth season. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content If you believe what Rams GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday at their pre-draft news conference, that’s just not so. Snead announced the club has, first of all, committed to picking up the fifth year of Goff’s rookie contract, available only for first-round picks. By predetermined terms of the CBA, Goff reportedly will earn $22.783 million in 2020. Even if he does not snag a third Pro Bowl selection in four years in 2019, and he continues to develop on the field, expect around this time next year for the Rams to announce a whopper of a new deal for Goff. “Couldn’t be more excited about having Jared as our quarterback,” McVay said. “The biggest thing is just want to make sure that there’s clarity on how great we feel about him leading our team for many years to come. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “He’s going into his fourth year, we’re going into our third year working together. I couldn’t be more excited, and I know our staff feels that way.” Added Snead, in reference to the Rams trading up to No. 1 overall in 2016 to select Goff: “I can say that three years later, him helping us win two divisions, win a conference championship — we probably would have given an extra pick — don’t tell the (Tennessee) Titans that — if we had known that was going to occur. So, we definitely look forward to working with Jared and continue chasing and earning that type of success in the future.” DEEP DRAFT FOR LINEMEN: Not just defensive linemen, as you’ve heard on loop now for nearly four months. But, Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman said Tuesday, for offensive linemen as well. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “I think there’s a lot of deep positions in this class,” he told a news conference. “The depth of talent, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, is one of the strongest that I’ve seen in a while … You should be able to land some players who can come in and make an impact on your roster.” Many mock-drafters have Spielman picking the top centre in this year’s class, Garrett Bradbury of North Carolina State, at No. 18 overall on Thursday night. KRAFT VIDEOS UPDATE: Pass the popcorn? Uh, no.<doc-sep>Sign up for the Seaside Joe newsletter! In addition to the great content you'll see on Field Gulls every day, sign up for a daily newsletter to come to your email every morning that will be a short and sweet post, thought, stat, quote, musing by Kenneth or one of his guests that requires little thought or commitment. Just a good way to bring a Seahawks companion to your morning of sippin' joe by the seaside. Further thoughts on the Frank Clark trade & more « Seahawks Draft Blog Rhett Lewis 2019 NFL mock draft: Seahawks replace Frank Clark - NFL.com Rhett Lewis projects the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Who do the Seahawks nab as a replacement for Frank Clark? Where do the top four quarterbacks end up? Clayton: How will Seahawks rebuild pass rush after Frank Clark trade? The Frank Clark trade solved a couple of problems for Seahawks GM John Schneider, but it leaves him with one big one: the pass rush. John Clayton breaks down how Seattle will try to rebuild its D-line. The Seahawks are trading Frank Clark to Kansas City « Seahawks Draft Blog Sources - Clark dealt to Chiefs, has $105.5M deal The Seahawks agreed to trade defensive end Frank Clark to the Chiefs on Tuesday. He has agreed to a five-year, $105.5 million deal, including $63.5M guaranteed, sources told ESPN. The Best Seahawks Draft Picks By Round Under John Schneider & Pete Carroll With John Schneider and Pete Carroll's 10th draft together coming up this week, Seahawks.com is taking a look back at some of their most memorable draft picks since 2010. How To Watch, Listen To & Follow The 2019 NFL Draft Tune-in information for the 2019 NFL Draft. Tuesday Round-Up: David Moore Surprises Symetra Heroes In The Classroom Seahawks wide receiver David Moore surprised a group of teachers and principals recognized as the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Broncos' Chris Harris demands new contract or trade - NFL.com Chris Harris' standoff with the Broncos is coming to a head. The cornerback has requested either a new record contract from the Broncos or a trade out of town, per NFL Network's James Palmer. Josh Gordon signs restricted tender with Patriots - NFL.com Josh Gordon will be back with the Patriots, if or when he is reinstated from his indefinite suspension. The banned receiver signed his restricted tender with New England on Tuesday. Casserly: Murray top QB, Bosa top player on boards - NFL.com According to a poll of 23 teams conducted by NFL Network's Charley Casserly, Kyler Murray is considered the top quarterback in this draft by 17 organizations. 2019 NFL Draft Buzz: Cardinals still undecided at No. 1 - NFL.com With two days remaining before the Arizona Cardinals make the pick official during the 2019 NFL Draft, the team continues to mull options at No. 1. Rams exercise 5th-year option on Jared Goff's contract - NFL.com The Los Angeles Rams exercised the fifth-year option on quarterback Jared Goff's contract, keeping the 2016 No. 1 overall pick under contract in L.A. through the 2020 season. Patrick Peterson not at minicamp amid talk of unrest - NFL.com After removing Cardinals references from his social media and amid a trade rumor, cornerback Patrick Peterson is noticeably absent from Arizona voluntary minicamp. Aaron Rodgers appreciates Matt LaFleur’s “very clear messaging” – ProFootballTalk The Packers have gotten some time to get used to head coach Matt LaFleur since the offseason program started earlier this month and one of the things that has come through for the players is the sense of a new beginning. Report: Broncos won’t go to $15 million a year for Chris Harris – ProFootballTalk The Broncos only received Chris Harris' "pay me or trade me" ultimatum yesterday, and they may already be at an impasse. According to Mike Klis of KUSA, the star cornerback's agent told the team he was looking for a new deal that exceeds $15 million per year Citing a source, Klis also reports the... Bruce Arians: Bucs would need “hellacious” offer to trade down – ProFootballTalk Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians inherits a team that was bad enough last year to earn the fifth overall pick in the draft. On Thursday night, they'll use it. Unless they trade it. "There would have to be some hellacious picks [offered]," Arians said Tuesday, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.<doc-sep>Senate Republicans are reviving negotiations over President Joe Biden's sweeping investment plan. On Tuesday, they prepared a $1 trillion infrastructure proposal that would be funded with COVID-19 relief money as a counteroffer to the White House ahead of a Memorial Day deadline toward a bip…<doc-sep>
Trading Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs for two draft picks — a first and a second! — is not just a good move for the Seattle Seahawks, and not just the right move, it’s the best move. Seattle could have kept Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner and Clark, simultaneously, all at top-of-the-market prices. There is room in an ever-growing salary cap for $75 million spread among three elite playmakers, each top 10 at their position. (Wagner being top 1, which is technically top 10, don’tchaknow.) It would have made for more tough decisions on mid-level players, but they could’ve retained all three. Likewise, Seattle could have let Clark play on the franchise tag and decided what to do in-season. An extension, a third-round comp pick next offseason if it doesn’t work out, another tag, what have you. Time to decide isn’t a bad thing to have, and $17 million isn’t a terrible price for a young, gifted pass rusher. At any moment, Seattle could have offered Clark an extension similar to the one KC gave him: five years, $105.5 million, $63.5 million guaranteed. It’s what players like Clark earn. That’s why the Chiefs paid up. Instead, the Seahawks made the best choice, as they opted to bolster their draft assets, create room for other extensions, and turn the page on a (like it or not) controversial Seahawk, all at once. There are two-and-a-half benefits to the blockbuster trade, against one pretty big downside — not having Clark around anymore to disrupt quarterbacks. In terms of assets gained for the 2019 and 2020 drafts, the Seahawks improved their position about as well as you could expect without landing a top 10 selection. With only four picks to play with this week, John Schneider was going to be boxed into two options — keep 1.21 and wait a looong time before drafting again at 3.84, or trade down in a situation where every other GM knows he has to. Having the 21st and 29th pick in hand strengthens his negotiating hand considerably. He could even trade up! He won’t. But he could. What if Ed Oliver falls and falls, into the late teens, like Derwin James last year? Schneider also has one first and two seconds in 2020. The next year’s worth of trade ammunition is covered as well. Then, as far as Seattle’s cap flexibility, the numbers look good, suddenly good, markedly better than they did hours ago. Cap update: after the Frank Clark trade, Seattle now has $25.7M in cap space. More than enough room to get Reed, Wagner deals done. — Evan Hill (@EvanonHB) April 23, 2019 “Room for Bobby” are some of the sweetest words in the NFL language. Let’s not underestimate the effect on keeping Jarran Reed, though. His interior pass rush may never lead to 10.5 sacks again, as it did last season, but if he’s blossomed into a presence that gets into the backfield on a consistent basis, then it’s easier to say goodbye to Clark. It doesn’t matter where the QB harassment comes from. It matters that people harass him. At last, Clark was never going to be fully embraced by the Seahawks fanbase, not after the legal news that emerged when he was drafted. The public-relations reality of paying a not completely popular player $21 million annually is now avoided; regardless of how you feel Clark has comported himself, believe he’s grown into a leader, stayed out of legal trouble, been an exemplary citizen, the truth is the team now doesn’t have to run any damage control it would have. This aspect of Schneider and Carroll’s decision likely isn’t a giant one, but when you’re trying to decide who to make the second-highest paid Seahawk, it probably matters some. (Parenthetically, the blockbuster trade is also a decent move for Kansas City, which replaces Dee Ford with a younger and more explosive version while Patrick Mahomes plays for peanuts and the championship window is wide open. But we’re here to talk about how the Seahawks aced their pre-draft quiz.) Another thing beyond the rationale above, a little extra something that should give Seahawks fans confidence this was the right move, is it indicates the coaches have some trust in the existing DL group. By shipping Clark off to the Chiefs, you’re losing 32 sacks and 66 QB hits over the last three years. He’s good for double-digit sacks, 20 or more QB hits and a ton of pressures every year.