With the May 3 deadline looming, the Green Bay Packers are expected to exercise Kenny Clark’s fifth-year option. The Packers will secure the young defensive lineman through 2020 with the move. ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky tweeted about the situation Monday afternoon.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the team has not yet picked up the fifth-year option on DT Kenny Clark, but “I would expect that would happen. He’s a dominant player on the defensive front.” https://t.co/XyHEvkeieH
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 22, 2019
Clark’s Career
In 2016, Clark was selected 27th overall in the NFL Draft by the Packers. Since then, the defensive tackle has been a reliable starter on the front seven.
For the 2019 season, the Packers have Clark under contract at approximately $1.7 million. With exercising the fifth-year option, there will be a slight pay increase. The defensive lineman will be set to hit the free agent market after the 2020 season. That is unless the Packers offer another contract.
Over the past three seasons, Clark has proven to produce at an elite level. With the Packers, he has collected a total of 131 combined tackles and 10.5 sacks. In addition, Clark has racked up 19 quarterback hits and 15 tackles for a loss.
Clark’s 2018 campaign was his best season yet. The rising star alternated between defensive end and nose tackle as he totaled 55 tackles, six sacks and forced a fumble.
The Packers have been very active in 2019’s offseason. With additions such as Za’Darius Smith and Adrian Amos, the team seems to be building around the defensive side of the ball. Now expecting to extend Kenny Clark, the Packers will have the tools to accomplish that plan.
Featured Image Credit: MSN.com
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