5 free agents Green Bay Packers must re-sign in 2021

2. Kenny Clark – DT

Now we’ve reached the upcoming free agents who are irreplaceable for the Packers. If they lose Kenny Clark in free agency, good luck finding a defensive tackle as talented. A Pro Bowler in 2019, Clark has improved his game each season and is one of the best young players at his position in the NFL.

What separates Clark from other talented defensive tackles is his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Clark’s quarterback pressure rate was 10.5 percent in 2019, ranking 23rd in the NFL. And that isn’t just for defensive linemen, but all defenders (Za’Darius Smith ranked first in the NFL, Preston Smith 10th). Clark had six sacks and seven QB hits last season.

Clark is going to get a big contract wherever he ends up playing in 2021. But if the Packers don’t work out a long-term deal, another team will be delighted to strengthen their defense and give him a big contract.

The Packers were able to delay Clark hitting free agency by picking up his fifth-year option last year. But time is now running out. He’ll be a free agent next offseason and the Packers need to make sure they don’t lose one of their most important defensive players.