"The Clark era might not last long in Dallas. Acquired as part of the Micah Parsons deal, Clark's contract was a relative bargain in 2025, given that the Cowboys were on the hook for only his $1.3 million base salary and another $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. Clark wasn't single-handedly able to fix Dallas' defense, but he also wasn't the problem."
"In 2026, though, Clark is set to make $21.5 million -- $11 million of which comes due in a mid-March roster bonus. He projects to have the fifth-largest cap hit of any Cowboys player. The problem is that the fourth-largest cap hit belongs to fellow defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, whom the Cowboys sent two premium picks to the Jets to acquire at the trade deadline. And the sixth-largest cap hit belongs to fellow tackle Osa Odighizuwa, whose $16.25 million base salary is guaranteed."
"Clark's money isn't guaranteed, and it's unlikely that he would be in position to land that same $21.5 million in 2026 compensation if he hits free agency. Grady Jarrett signed a three-year, $42.5 million deal with the Bears after the Falcons cut him last offseason, and I suspect Clark might be looking at something closer to that range as a free agent."
Bengals receive defensive tackle Kenny Clark and a 2027 seventh-round pick while Cowboys receive a 2027 sixth-round pick. Clark's 2025 cost was minimal, but his 2026 compensation ramps to $21.5 million with an $11 million mid-March roster bonus, projecting as the fifth-largest Cowboys cap hit. Teammates Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa occupy adjacent large cap positions, compounding the salary burden. Clark's 2026 pay is not guaranteed and comparable market deals suggest he could command a multi-year, mid-40-million-dollar contract or accept a reduced annual rate nearer $14 million. A trade could reunite Clark with former Packers line coach Jerry Montgomery.
Read at Blogging The Boys
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