Report: Frank Clark plans to hold out unless given contract extension

Just when the Seattle Seahawks appeared to be done with preseason drama, a report from Ian Rapoport indicated defensive end Frank Clark doesn’t plan to sign his franchise tag, or report to training camp, until he has a contract extension.

Clark and the Seahawks engaged in discussions about a long-term deal for the 25-year-old edge rusher but were unable to come to an agreement before the franchise tag deadline.

Because of that, Seattle decided to place the $17.1 million non-exclusive franchise tag on Clark, keeping him around for the 2019 season while they continue to negotiate.

However, Clark apparently wants that negotiation to end before the season begins, and plans to make sure that is the case.

On #Seahawks pass-rusher Frank Clark: He won’t be signing his franchise tag or showing up to training camp unless the Seahawks give him the deal that he has earned, I’m told. If they don’t, they’ll only have him for another 16 games… when other top FAs are up, too.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2019

Clark has already been mentioned in a handful of trade rumors since signing his tag, and those rumors will only increase with the potential for a holdout.

Recent holdouts involving Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas put a strain on the team in the early part of camp, something Seattle would surely like to avoid next season if at all possible.