There is a lot that the Kansas City Chiefs have to prove during the 2022 season. They lost a ton of talent from the roster that will be very difficult to replace.
People will want to see how well Patrick Mahomes and the offense operate without Tyreek Hill, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Can the defense get going without Tyrann Mathieu, who signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints?
Another player that has something to prove this upcoming season is defensive end, Frank Clark. Clark had the toughest season of his career in 2021, registering only four sacks. Looking to get things back on track, he showed up this offseason looking like a different person.
Saying that a person is in the best shape of his life is a regular thing during offseason programs, but when it comes to Clark, it is actually true. After coming into camp weighing 262 pounds last year, Clark knew some changes were necessary as he made adjustments to his lifestyle that he is hoping translates to more results on the field.
“I wasn’t as quick off the ball,” he said in his first public comments since last season. “It’s obvious. You can watch the film. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy out there. I didn’t do my job like I should have to my capabilities.”
Clark’s production fell off a cliff in 2021 with the Chiefs, which was a tumultuous year for him. He was arrested twice and his struggles on the field led many to believe that he would be a cut candidate this offseason.
Kansas City ended up holding onto him and they could reap the benefits of that decision. While cutting Clark would have saved the team a ton of money, a motivated, highly productive Clark is certainly worth the price tag.
“It was hard as hell,” Clark said of his experience last season. “When you’re going through all the stuff I was going through, it’s life, but I put that on myself. You have to deal with it. I’m a standup guy. I don’t run from (anything). That’s the only way you grow from anything.”
Clark restructured his contract, essentially turning 2022 into a contract year. The 29-year-old is motivated by a conversation held with head coach Andy Reid in March and is ready to assume his role as the most feared pass rusher on the defense, combining to be one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL alongside Chris Jones. With him back firing on all cylinders, the Chiefs will be even more dangerous.
