The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release EDGE Frank Clark, according to multiple reports. The Chiefs will clear a much-needed $21 million against the 2023 cap by releasing Clark. Sack-needy teams should immediately possess an interest in signing Clark once the new league year begins on March 15.

Clark recorded 7.5 sacks throughout the regular-season campaign and postseason. Clark’s ability to get after quarterbacks helped the Chiefs capture two Super Bowls throughout his tenure, including Super Bowl LVII. Clark’s pass-rushing services will be in high demand once he officially hits the open market. We’ve swiftly identified three potential landing spots for Frank Clark.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll collaborated to draft Clark with their first selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. Clark played an outstanding four seasons in Seattle before they failed to meet his asking price in a standoff that led to Clark being traded to the Chiefs. They hated to see Clark leave town. Clark and the Seahawks are now free to reunite at a more reasonable cost.

The Seahawks recorded a respectable 45.0 sacks in 2022 but lacked a clear veteran presence on the edges of their defense. Darrell Taylor and Boye Mafe continue to flash signs of development. Pairing them with a savvy veteran like Clark could fully unlock their potential. Fellow pass-rushers L.J. Collier and Poona Ford are also set to become unrestricted free agents.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals possess $35.5 million in cap space, per Spotrac. While many are expecting the Bengals to sign Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins to contract extensions this summer, both players are technically under contract for 2023. Those sizable cap charges shouldn’t hit the books until 2024, allowing Cincinnati to be short-term players in free agency. The Bengals could squeeze Clark into their plans by frontloading a two-year contract.

Cincinnati recorded a disappointing 29th-ranked 30.0 sacks in 2022. Clark would give the Bengals a steady rotation of pass rushers next to Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Joseph Ossai. The Bengals and Chiefs appear headed on an annual course collision in the AFC Championship Game. Signing Clark would deliver a blow to the Chiefs while strengthening their own roster.

CHICAGO BEARS

Bears general manager Ryan Poles served as the Chiefs’ assistant director of pro personnel when they signed Clark to a five-year, $105.5 million contract after acquiring him via trade. Poles witnessed Clark make several big-time plays that helped the pair win Super Bowl LIV together. Poles should be excited about the possibility of bringing Clark to Chicago.

The Bears recorded a league-low 20.0 sacks throughout the 2022 campaign. A franchise that’s always prided itself on playing hard-nosed defense was almost unrecognizable. The onus is on Poles to attract several defensive game-changers to Chicago this offseason.

Some of that could occur via the 2023 NFL Draft, specifically by choosing Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter after trading out of the No. 1 overall pick. But Poles needs to add veterans and immediate contributors, too. Clark could replace what the Bears lost by trading Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.