The Seattle Seahawks could be looking trade edge defender Frank Clark before the start of the NFL draft Thursday, although the team wants a first-round pick in return.
Considering Clark is looking for a contract extension is expected to command roughly $20 million annually, any team considering trading for Clark will have to be willing to pay a hefty sum, while also giving up a first round pick.
That’s not to say Clark isn’t deserving of a big payday, but it does limit the market on teams willing to pay the price for the 25-year-old.
Here are three teams with the draft capital, the money and the need to potentially get a trade done.
Indianapolis Colts
According to NFL draft Analyst Tony Pauline, the Colts are known to have interest in Clark, and they are one of the few teams with the ability to make a deal get done.
“From what I’m hearing right now, the Colts have the most ammunition to trade for Frank Clark if that’s what they want to do,” Pauline commented to John Clayton on 710 ESPN Seattle.
The Colts have the No. 26 overall pick in the first round, as well as two second-round selections – No. 34 and No. 59.
The Seahawks are still holding out for a first-round pick, although Pauline believes they could accept a high second round, a late round and a conditional pick in 2020.
Indianapolis has the draft capital to get that done if they are willing to work out an extension for Clark.
Oakland Raiders
It’s hard to ignore Oakland’s potential fit for Clark. After trading Khalil Mack, coach Jon Gruden has lamented his team’s need for more pass rushing.
The Raiders also have three first-round picks in this draft, thanks again to the Mack trade. So on paper, a trade makes a lot of sense.
Whether Gruden and the Raiders are willing to pay Clark what he wants is an entirely different story, but if they are, then a trade could come together pretty easily between these two teams.
Adding a proven pass rusher could help this team compete sooner rather than later, and at just 25, Clark could be a long-term piece for a rebuilding team as well.
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing Dee Ford and Justin Houston this offseason, the Chiefs will need to add some pass rush if they want to compete again next year. Clark makes sense as he would fill an immediate need.
Kansas City appears to agree, as Pauline told Clayton Kansas City is one of the teams that is closely examining a potential Clark trade.
The Chiefs have the No. 29 overall pick in Round 1 and two picks in Round 2 – No. 61 and No. 63. If they are willing to move their first rounder – and potentially a late round pick as well – Seattle could consider pulling the trigger.
