JUNE 22: As feared, Clark has indeed suffered a torn ACL (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The news represents the worst-case scenario for team and player, given Clark’s sterling track record of durability (having logged a 100% snap share in each of the past three seasons) and his contract status. The Jets will need to rely heavily on Amos and their other safety options in 2023, a season in which expectations are high for their defense in particular and the team in general.
JUNE 13: The Jets’ Adrian Amos acquisition makes a bit more sense now. Chuck Clark suffered a knee injury, one Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports is feared to be serious (Twitter link).
Clark plans to seek a second opinion, per SNY’s Connor Hughes adds (via Twitter), but this is obviously a concerning situation. The team was not in on Amos until recently, with the Ravens leading the way for a while. Although Amos made a second Ravens visit Monday, the Jets came in with a stronger offer. That proposal may soon lead to a starting opportunity.
The Jets are concerned this is a season-nullifying injury, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports (on Twitter), noting ACL damage is feared. An ACL tear would almost definitely knock out Clark, 28, for the season, though it is not known if a tear has occurred. This would represent brutal timing for Clark, who remains attached to the three-year, $15.1MM the Ravens gave him in 2020. That contract expires after the 2023 season. Missing the year would crush Clark’s chances of creating a nice market in 2024.
The chance to start in New York sold Amos over a deal with his hometown team, per Rosenblatt. Amos has worked as a starter throughout his eight-year career. He profiles as a quality replacement option, especially in June, but Clark was expected to play a big role for the Jets.
After the Ravens made two big investments at safety in the spring of 2022 — signing Marcus Williams drafting Kyle Hamilton in Round 1 — Clark emerged in trade rumors. While the Ravens held onto the veteran defender for another season, they pulled the trigger on a deal in March. Baltimore traded Clark to New York for just a 2024 seventh-round pick.
A former sixth-round pick, Clark worked as a primary Ravens starter over the past four seasons. Teaming with a host of big safety additions (Williams, Hamilton, Earl Thomas, Tony Jefferson, Eric Weddle) during his six-year Baltimore career, Clark had been ticketed for a full-time Jets role. The Virginia Tech product voiced frustration about his final stretch in Baltimore but may not begin his Jets tenure on time.
This injury leading to missed time would be a first for Clark, who has missed all of one game during his six-year career. The Ravens used extensive three-safety looks during Clark’s time, and he helped the team as Williams missed much of last season. Clark topped 100 tackles for the first time as a pro last year, totaling 101.
Amos’ arrival offers the Jets some protection. The team rosters Jordan Whitehead, a former Buccaneers Super Bowl starter who started all games for Robert Saleh‘s team last season, in place as its other first-string safety. In Amos, the Jets have a player who started four seasons with the Bears and the past four with the Packers. The 30-year-old defender has made 122 career starts; he has not missed a game since the 2017 season.
Noooooo
Very unfortunate for the player and team. Get well soon.