The Green Bay Packers have begun mandatory minicamp, the final phase of their offseason program before training camp begins in late July. Over the last three weeks, Packers players have been in Green Bay for organized team activities (OTAs). Unlike prior seasons, all players have attended these voluntary exercises. The reason for the high level of attendance and participation is clear: the players have stronger leadership than in previous years, and the coaching staff (particularly on defense) has instilled a new culture in the locker room.
For example, quarterback Jordan Love is set to be underpaid this season. While contract negotiations are underway to extend him, he has elected to attend practices and be the leader that the Packers require. Other players in the league choose to hold out while their contracts are being negotiated. As it turns out, Love isn’t the only star player the Packers are considering extending. Kenny Clark wants to finish his career with the Green Bay Packers.
During a post-practice media availability at his locker, three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark stated that his agents and the Packers have been discussing contract extensions for some time. He also indicated that he wishes to spend his entire career in Green Bay: “Yes, there have been negotiations. They’re still going on, but they are chatting. That’s all I’ve got on that. He was then questioned if Green Bay is where he wants to spend the rest of his career. “Oh, yes! 100%. I adore it here. I adore my teammates and the organization. “Hopefully, everything will work out.”
Clark, a first-round choice by the Packers in 2016, is the team’s longest-tenured player and a key component of the current defense and culture. Many players have previously professed a desire to spend their entire careers with the Packers but have ended up playing elsewhere. Hopefully, things turn out differently for Clark. Kenny Clark had a good career with the Green Bay Packers. As previously stated, Clark was a first-round pick by the Packers in 2016. He was recently awarded PFF’s top number 27 overall pick of the last decade, joining two other Green Bay first-round picks on the list.
Clark has been named to the Pro Bowl three times in eight seasons, most recently last year after recording a career-high 7.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. His 34.0 career sacks are 15th in team history. Clark will make his first appearance in a 4-3 defense this coming season. Earlier this summer, he praised new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and believes that the new strategy will be ideal for his game. Clark feels he will be able to accumulate more sacks and tackles for loss in this scheme than in any other he has previously played in.
If that’s the case, the Packers would be wise to extend him quickly, since he might become very pricey otherwise.
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