Packers Cutting Mike Daniels Could Pave the Way for Kenny Clark Contract
By Scott Rogust
On their first day of summer workouts, the Green Bay Packers made the stunning decision to release former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Mike Daniels.
With many pondering what caused Green Bay to make this decision, there might be another motive fans didn't previously realize.
When speaking with the media Wednesday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that he would like to give Kenny Clark a long-term contract.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst mentions Kenny Clark after explaining how the Mike Daniels decision came about. Gutekunst seems very interested in securing a long-term deal with Clark: "We would certainly like to get something done at some point."
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) July 24, 2019
After releasing Daniels, the Packers now free up $8.5 million in cap space, which could be used on Clark, who is an unrestricted free agent in 2020. On Tuesday, the team signed defensive end Dean Lowry to a three-year extension for his strong play last season. And now they want to give Clark an extension to further stabilize the defense.
Last season, Clark recorded 55 tackles (36 solo, 19 assisted), six sacks, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble in 13 games. Clark was more productive on the defensive line than Daniels, who posted 18 tackles, two sacks, and one pass defended in an injury-riddled season.
The release of DT Mike Daniels opens the door for a megadeal with NT Kenny Clark (@KCBoutThatLife). The #Packers gain $8.5 million in cap space with Daniels' release and are now $15.29 million under the salary cap.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) July 24, 2019
Clark has shown the Packers that he's a disruptor at the line of scrimmage and he could soon be rewarded for it.