The New Orleans Saints added some depth to their offensive line Monday by signing free agent Chris Clark, his representatives at Allegiant Athletic Agency announced. Clark logged 818 snaps in 13 games for the Carolina Panthers last year, predominately at left tackle. The ten-year veteran also has experience on the right side, offering some versatility as a potential backup in New Orleans.
This addition comes just days after the Saints placed reserve lineman Ulrick John on injured reserve, following his injury in their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. They wanted to add another prospect with NFL experience to the rotation even before starters Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk missed most of training camp practice on Monday.
Clark should immediately compete for a spot on the opening-day roster with other veterans like Marshall Newhouse and Patrick Omameh, both of whom joined the Saints earlier this summer. Beyond the top six spots along the line (Armstead, Ramczyk, guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat, centers Erik McCoy and Nick Easton) there’s two or three positions up for grabs. Clark’s odds of earning one of them are as strong as anyone’s.
