The Broncos made one more splash in free agency, landing a star pass-rusher and former division rival in defensive end Frank Clark.
Jordan Schultz of the Score reported that the Broncos signed Clark to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5M.
Sources: Frank Clark’s one-year deal with the #Broncos is worth up to $7.5M.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 8, 2023
Read more here: https://t.co/HMWwE02E2v https://t.co/WUz9txi01E
Frank Clark to me on why he chose the #Broncos on FaceTime: "The situation with Sean Payton is good for me. I get to play alongside Randy Gregory and stay in my in division that I am very familiar with. I also want to help the Broncos get back to the mountain top."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 8, 2023
It's a massive win for the Broncos. They're adding a heralded player and taking him away from an AFC West foe.
Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler, was pivotal on the Chiefs two Super Bowl-winning teams over the past four seasons. Additionally, Clark has been fantastic in big moments, ranking third all-time in playoff sacks with 13.5.
Even though Kansas City recently released the 29-year-old, he's still a productive player. In 15 games last season, he logged five sacks and 39 tackles.
Plus, he adds pass-rushing depth, which Denver desperately needs. Last season, the Broncos dealt Pro Bowl DE Bradley Chubb to Miami at the trade deadline. DE Dre'Mont Jones — who led the team in sacks with 6.5 in 13 games — signed with the Seahawks this offseason.
The unit has battled injuries, too. Per Jeff Legwold of ESPN, LB Baron Browning has not participated in on-field activities during OTAs since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. LB Randy Gregory only played in six games after a knee injury last season.
After the Broncos recorded the tenth-fewest sacks (36) last season, there's plenty of room left for Clark on the depth chart.
Clark can line up on the right or left side of the line of scrimmage. He'll probably play on the left side in Denver because it signed DE Zach Allen in free agency.
The move shows the Broncos want to quickly turn around after a disastrous 5-12 season while looking to snap a seven-year playoff drought.
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