Packers Rumors: Veteran defensive starter's fate might be sealed in 2025 Draft

Throughout his career, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark has been the subject of perpetual underrating from the larger NFL media landscape. Clark has been named a Pro Bowl player three times, and it's fair to argue that he should have more.

Even with Clark providing high-end defensive line play in what had been an area of weakness outside of him, the Packers are never above planning for the future. They already drafted a possible long-term replacement for Clark when they nabbed Georgia star Devonte Wyatt in the 2022 NFL Draft.

With one year left on his contract and the market for high-end defensive tackles having exploded in recent years, Clark could be looking to cash in. If Brian Gutekunst is unwilling to pay him, expect a defensive tackle to be picked in the NFL Draft.

ESPN's Matt Miller cooked up a 2025 NFL Mock Draft. The Packers, picking 24th in this exercise, selected Ohio State defensive lineman Tyliek Williams. If the Packers were to draft Williams and lean more heavily on Wyatt in the future, returning might not be the most attractive proposition for Clark.

Packers could move on from Kenny Clark by taking DT in 2025 NFL Draft

Williams is not as big as Clark, but he has the same degree of pass rush upside No. 97 did when he was coming out of UCLA. One more strong year at Ohio State alongside JT Tuimoloau could push Williams higher into the order and out of Green Bay's reach.

The Packers have Rashan Gary locked up long-term, and this front office has historically shown they know when to move off some of the more expensive names out there. Clark may not be a prime candidate for a longer extension, especially with Wyatt ready to step in.

The Packers will need to spend most of their available money in the next few years on the offensive side of the ball. Jordan Love could easily command more than $50 million per season, and wide receivers like Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson will need new contracts.

Losing Clark might be a tough pill to swallow, as he is still a very productive player. However, Green Bay has often adopted the philosophy of letting go of a player before they start to sour instead of getting saddled with an aging, declining player. If the big board works out in this way, Clark could be gone.