Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark is about to wrap up the final year of his rookie contract and could now become one the league’s most coveted unrestricted free agents.
The Seahawks have until 1:00 p.m. PT on March 5 to decide whether or not to designate Clark with the non-exclusive franchise tag which would potentially keep him in Seattle – to the tune of over $17M – for a least one more year until a contract extension could be finalized.
“It is ultimately, yeah,” coach Pete Carroll said at the NFL scouting combine, when asked if a long-term deal was the team’s goal. “Frankie just turned 25, he’s still a very young football player. Made a huge step this year in terms of leadership, growth and maturity. It was so obvious. I was really proud of seeing that develop for Frank. He played great too.”
Clark finished his 2018 campaign with 41 total tackles, 13 sacks, two passes defensed and one interception to mark the best season of his four-year career.
“Frank, he’s a very valuable football player and that’s the process we’re in the middle of and all that, I can’t tell you guys how that’s going to turn out but it’s going to be positive for the Seahawks and for Frank,” Carroll continued.
General manager John Schneider, who was also asked about Clark at the combine, expects him back with the Seahawks in 2019 but wouldn’t reveal whether or not Seattle would use a franchise tag to ensure it.
