As he gears up for what promises to be a highly-lucrative contract extension, Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark has hired veteran NFL agent Doug Hendrickson, as Liz Mullen of SportsBusinessJournal.com reports (via Twitter). Clark will be represented by Hendrickson and his Wasserman colleague, CJ LaBoy.
Green Bay exercised Clark’s fifth-year option a few months ago, so they have him under club control through the 2020 campaign. However, the 2016 first-rounder has established himself as a very good interior defender, and Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, echoing reports we heard earlier this year, suggests that player and team could work out a long-term deal before Clark becomes a free agent (Twitter link).
Last year, the 23-year-old (24 in October) put up a career-high six sacks and matched his 2017 tackles total with 55. Unfortunately, his season was halted by an elbow injury in December, but he was Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 ranked interior lineman in the NFL when he was placed on IR. GM Brian Gutekunst recently called Clark a “dominant player,” and he will be paid accordingly.
Currently, Lions DT Damon Harrison is pacing the 3-4 defensive tackle market with an average annual value of $11.25MM, but Clark’s play thus far suggests that he offers more as a pass rusher than Snacks. Excluding Jets rookie Quinnen Williams, who received a fully-guaranteed pact as a result of his status as the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, the $25MM in guaranteed money that the Bears gave to Eddie Goldman last September is currently the highest guaranteed payout for a 3-4 DT.
Another season like his 2018 campaign would likely allow Clark to top Harrison’s AAV and Goldman’s guarantees. It would not be surprising to see him land a contract paying him $12-13MM per year with $35MM or so in guaranteed money.
Pay the man.
I believe the Wasserman media group also represent Andrew Luck.
He’s gonna get more than Grady Jarrett. Prepare your butts