The Packers 3x Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. Kenny Clark is entering his ninth NFL season. At the moment, Clark is set to play the 2024 season as his final season under contract. The Packers brass is faced with a tough decision. Kenny Clark has been a dominate lineman and one of the key pieces of Green Bay’s defense since he was drafted in 2016.

A few weeks, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst spoke with Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke on Packers Transplant. Gutekunst was asked about resigning Kenny Clark. He said he would love to resign Clark but mentioned that Jordan Love’s extension is a higher priority at the moment. When recently asked after a mini camp practice, Clark mentioned he would “love” to remain in Green Bay. The two sides do appear to be talking which is encouraging. There appears to be mutual interest between Clark and the Packers but there are key dominos that need to fall first.

The Packers Will Resign Kenny Clark

There is no doubt that Kenny Clark is one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL. When Clark is playing at a high level, he is a game changer. He has been selected to three pro bowls. He has tallied 34 career sacks and 380 total tackles in eight seasons. Just this past season, Clark registered a career high 7.5 sacks and 16 QB Hits. Clark will turn 29 in October but based on his 2023 statistics, he does not appear to be declining. Kenny Clark does play at a premier position so retaining high level talent on the defensive line is important.

Clark has remained relatively healthy throughout his career. He is considered a team leader. He has been selected as a team captain. With the new defensive era upon us in Green Bay, it would make sense for the Packers to lock up Clark. Retaining the team’s best players for the long haul will give DC Jeff Hafley the best chance to succeed. At the age of 28, it does seem that neither his play nor his health is declining. The benefit of resigning Kenny Clark is it guarantees that the Packers have a Pro Bowl type player on the defensive line for the foreseeable future.

The Packers Will Not Resign Kenny Clark

Kenny Clark is a beloved Green Bay Packer. However, the business side of football is cutthroat. This would be Clark’s third contract with the Packers. It is not common that players received a third contract in the NFL. The Packers might decide to move on from Clark. After all, the team has prioritize the defensive line in the draft the past few years.

Green Bay selected Devonte Wyatt in the first round in 2022. The packers used draft capital on TJ Slaton, Colby Wooden, and Carl Brooks as well. The 2024 season is a massive opportunity for Wyatt, Slaton, and Clark. It is time for Wyatt to prove his first round draft status. Slaton, along with Clark, will be a free agent so he is playing for a contract too. If Slaton and Wyatt have strong 2024 campaigns, the Packers could design to move forward with these two and move on from Clark.

The concern with having a lot of young talent like the Packers do, is who do you resign? Green Bay cannot pay everyone. If Slaton, Brooks, and Wyatt play well this season, Green Bay could decide to move forward with the younger and cheaper options. That way, the team can prioritize resigning players like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Zach Tom, Quay Walker, etc. Deploying money to resign those players might be the smarter decision because they will be in their mid 20s. Resigning Clark, who turns 30 years old next fall, could be risky.