3 surprise cuts the Chiefs can make this offseason

1. DE Frank Clark

Given his contract and the various salary-cap ramifications, this would be a shock. And it could be something that happens later this year and not necessarily in the coming weeks.

Just before the start of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs orchestrated a huge trade with the Seahawks to acquire edge-rusher Frank Clark. He had been given the franchise tag by Seattle but the player and team were not on the same page. After joining the Chiefs, Clark would sign a five-year, $104 million extension with the club.

In four seasons in the Pacific Northwest, the 2015 second-round pick from the University of Michigan played in 62 regular-season contests and logged 35.0 quarterback traps. There were 10.0 sacks in his second season and a career-best 13.0 sacks in 2018. He also totaled eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and an interception over that four-year span. He also amassed three sacks in five postseason games with the ‘Hawks.

Save for the 2019 and 2020 postseasons, Clark has not produced the same kind of numbers in three years with the Chiefs. In 43 regular-season contests, there have been 18.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pick. In six playoff games with the team prior to 2021, he combined for an impressive eight quarterback traps.

But the three-time Pro Bowler, all with the Chiefs, did not register a sacks in the 2021 postseason.

Of course, there were some off-the-field issues a year ago. Just as the case in regards to linebacker Anthony Hitchens, could coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense be in for an overhaul this season?