David Bakhtiari. Aaron Rodgers. Jordy Nelson.
That’s it.
Those are the only significant third contracts the Green Bay Packers have given out in the last 10 years.
It just does not happen often.
The Packers and general manager Brian Gutekunst live by the adage and philosophy of it being better to move on a year early instead of a year too late.
That’s why Davante Adams was traded. That’s why Randall Cobb was allowed to leave.
It’s why so many others, regardless of their stature, have been unceremoniously shown the door at the end of their tenure.
Kenny Clark was likely staring at a similar fate. He was entering the final year of a contract he signed at the completion of his rookie deal.
With the Packers’ unwillingness to give third contracts out, and the investment the Packers have made in the defensive line, it was possible they could look at Clark as someone else they’d want to move on from a year early instead of a year too late.
Those worries were subsided before training camp started.
On July 21, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Packers had signed Clark to a three-year extension worth $64 million.
It was surprising in that Clark’s contract got done before Jordan Love’s. Usually the quarterback’s contracts get done before anyone else’s.
All other business is understandably put on hold due to the complications that can arise from these mega deals. That’s especially true for a deal for a franchise quarterback.
In this case, along with many others, Clark bucked that trend.
His contract was done first.
His third, with the only franchise he’s ever known.
Was there concern? Were there reasons to believe that Clark could begin to slow down? Of course.
Clark has been a workhorse in Green Bay. He’s only turning 29 in October, but was drafted at the ripe age of 20.
He’s playing his ninth season in the NFL, despite still being on the correct side of 30.
“Kenny’s just a pro’s pro,” Gutekunst said at the start of training camp. “He puts the right things first, and the main thing’s the main thing for Kenny. He loves football. To play as long as he has at the level that he has, you’ve got to love it. He certainly loves football, and he’s an unselfish team guy. He’s all about winning. He is the exact example of the kind of guys we want in that locker room.”
When you hear the way Gutekunst talks about Clark, it’s easy to see why the Packers were willing to make him an exception.
He also knocked on wood feverishly after saying that Clark was a gamble worth taking.
The other reality is that Clark is still the defensive line’s best player. They used two picks on the defensive line in last year’s draft.
TJ Slaton is entering a contract year. Devonte Wyatt is a former first-round pick but has yet to be consistent enough to become an impact player.
Of all the defensive linemen on the roster, Clark is still the gold standard.
No, he’s not Aaron Donald. Nobody is.
He is, however, one of the best players in the sport at his position.
He was third on the team in sacks last year with 7.5, which was a career high. He should have more opportunities to attack the quarterback in Jeff Hafley’s scheme that prioritizes disruption and attacking opposing backfields.
Clark is also the last man standing in a couple different ways.
The 2016 Green Bay Packers went to the NFC Championship Game and lost to the Atlanta Falcons.
With Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari leaving the team in the last two offseasons, Clark is the last player from that team who went on that special run before falling just short of the Super Bowl.
He is also the last draft choice standing for Packers Hall of Fame general manager Ted Thompson.
Clark knows the responsibility and the honor that comes with being one of the rarities in Green Bay.
“It was huge for me, because I truly wanted to be one of those guys,” Clark said to Si.com’s Bill Huber. “I look up to guys who have been here – A-Rod, Clay (Matthews), D-Bak and all those guys who played and played at a high level, got third contracts here and are really legends here. For an organization like this, it was huge for me to stay here and get this contract – be well compensated but still be here and be a part of this.”
Now, Clark will be part of this, and will likely have a bust in the Packers Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.
Clark shines as gold standard on defensive line
