The Seattle Seahawks chose to use the franchise tag on defensive end Frank Clark last week, but they are still hoping to sign him to a long-term extension. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement before training camp, we shouldn’t expect to see Clark in attendance.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Clark intends to hold out if the Seahawks don’t sign him to a long-term deal.
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 is one of the best pass-rushers in football, and he’s just 25. He had a career-high 14 sacks and four forced fumbles last season. With many pass-rushers either having been franchise tagged or expected to command top dollar this offseason, you can understand why Clark wants long-term security.
The Seahawks have moved on from the core of their “Legion of Boom” defense, and Clark is one of the reasons they were still a playoff team in 2018 despite that. Clark has emerged as a leader and even hit back at criticism from Richard Sherman, so Seattle needs to find a way to keep him around.
