KC Chiefs: Frank Clark is skating on thin ice

In the wake of the news that K.C. Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm in the state of California, it’s only appropriate that we yet again revisit the conversation of what the hell is Frank Clark doing?

While I don’t want to make this article about myself, people that know me know that I have been a massive critic of Frank Clark over his time in Kansas City. I have found his play to be largely unimpressive and his antics on the podium tiring. However, I’m always open to a player proving me wrong. I am a Chiefs fan after all. Of course I want our players to play good.

Unfortunately for Clark, he hasn’t exactly lived up to his $100 million dollar contract. Has he had a few moments? Sure. But you’d be kidding yourself if you said he is worth what he is getting paid. He’s just not.

Some people may argue that he is worth every penny because of his 2019 postseason run when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl but I’ve already stated why his postseason in 2019 was overrated due to late-game cleanup sacks and an underwhelming pass-rush win rate in previous rants. I’ve even went in depth in another article about what has made Frank Clark so underwhelming as far as the numbers and advanced metrics.

As for 2020, you could also argue that the Chiefs also lost the Super Bowl because of Clark due to Clark and the rest of the defensive line’s lack of ability to generate pressure. If the money from Clark’s contract was split up better maybe the Chiefs could have afforded another solid pass-rusher to the 2020 roster. However, I digress.

The point is, Frank Clark has done just about everything you shouldn’t do after signing a $100 million contract. We’ve established his play on the field not being up to standard, but when you’re in the locker room at mandatory practice talking about how you didn’t hit your sack goals last season and want to chase Aaron Donald numbers only to get arrested not once, but twice in the last few months for the same offense it is anything but a good look.

K.C. Chiefs Frank Clark keeps making it tougher on himself

Clark is creating a toxic environment for himself by being the loud one on the team but not backing up his talk when it come to the numbers. Don’t even try with the “But Clark brought that dog mentality to this defense!” either. That’s played out and a really weak reasoning for why Clark is worthy anywhere near his contract. I do think Clark’s mindset is motivational for some players, but I think fans have really overstated how his personality has impacted the team. There are plenty of guys out there willing to get in the faces of others for much less money I can promise you that. How do you think teammates at practice look at Clark knowing how much he gets paid despite of all the aforementioned?

Clark has also created a tough situation for the team yet again this offseason. At first, it looked like we would make it through the offseason without any legal trouble among Chiefs players. Now, Clark has continued the streak. Not only that, Clark will likely face some sort of suspension and with the defensive end room already looking thin even with Clark. Clark being absent for a stretch of time may force the organization to look somewhere for help.

We all knew 2021 was a big year for Clark prior to his legal trouble as the Chiefs could potentially save over $14 million by cutting Clark next year according to spotract.com and he has to put up big numbers this year to show that he’s worth keeping. Now, with legal trouble looming, Clark has added pressure on himself as he will now have to prove why he’s worth keeping despite the off-field distraction. It’s not like this is Clark’s first run-in with the law either. Before landing in Kansas City, Clark was arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident in the state of Ohio.

All in all, Clark is making it really difficult for his small contingent that’s still out there to defend him. It’s time to step up or shut up for Clark and he is skating on thin ice when it comes to wanting to stay with the Chiefs organization beyond this upcoming season.