Denver Broncos expected to move on from DE Frank Clark

The Denver Broncos finalized a contract restructure for defensive end Frank Clark on Thursday, indicating their plans to move on from the former Kansas City Chiefs star in the near future. According to NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, the team could either trade or release the Michigan alum soon.

“Keep an eye on this one: The Broncos and DE Frank Clark agreed to a pay cut that takes his $3.5 million base salary down to the minimum the rest of the way $841k), sources say,” Garafolo shared on Thursday. “Clark gave back $1.679 million in base pay as part of the restructure.”

Clark has played in just two games so far with two tackles for Denver after he suffered a hip injury in the season opener. The Broncos ruled him out for the Thursday Night Football matchup against his former team tonight.

Kansas City released Clark in the offseason, saving $21 million against their 2023 salary cap. His initial contract with the Broncos was for one year, up to $7.5 million, which included a $5.5 million guaranteed base salary, $1 million in incentives, and another $1 million in more challenging incentives.

Clark spent the last four seasons with Kansas City after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. He was a key difference maker in the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl LIV and LVII wins. He is also a three-time Pro Bowler.

Last season Clark only had five sacks, his lowest total since his rookie year in Seattle. In his career, he has 59.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries on his resume, but also notably ranks third all-time in NFL history in postseason sacks with 13.5, only sitting behind Willie McGinest and NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.

Broncos part ways with Randy Gregory

The Broncos moved on from another defensive end just last week, trading former Cowboys second-rounder Randy Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers.

The terms of the trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, had Denver sending Gregory and a 2024 7th-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for a 2024 6th-round pick. In San Francisco, he joins one of the best defenses — and teams — in the league.

Schefter further reported that San Francisco will pay Gregory the veteran minimum, as he’s still owed millions on his deal from Denver. However, without guaranteed money into the future, Gregory is effectively a rental in San Francisco.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this report.