The Baltimore Ravens have been all about signing their impact players before they’ve hit free agency. They’ve once again continued that philosophy this offseason, signing safety Chuck Clark to a three-year contract extension, per the team’s Twitter account. Clark was set to be a pending free agency after the 2020 season, meaning a new deal will keep him in Baltimore through 2023.
General manager Eric DeCosta has made it a priority to keep their best players. Instead of letting them hit free agency where other teams could give them above-market deals, DeCosta has taken to signing Ravens early if at all possible. Clark becomes yet another example of that, joining guys like Willie Snead, Justin Tucker, Marshal Yanda, Tavon Young, Marcus Peters and L.J. Fort.
Clark had received rave reviews in recent years from both the coaching staff and his teammates for his football intelligence and work ethic, even though he wasn’t a starter. Defensive backs coach Chris Hewitt praised Clark’s ability to lead the defense during the 2019 season.
“Chuck is extremely smart. He can line everybody up, he can manage the defense, and on top of that, he’s a great athlete. He has every attribute to become a great player in this league.”
With Tony Jefferson going to injured reserve last season, Clark finally got the chance to shine last season and made it count. Clark started 12 games in 2019, posting one interception, nine passes defended, one sack and 68 combined tackles.
Jefferson had previously been considered a likely salary cap casualty this offseason thanks to a high cap hit in 2020 and Clark’s emergence in his stead. But with Clark’s three-year contract extension, it appears as though Baltimore has begun to put the wheels in motion there.
