Report: Seahawks making progress on a deal with Frank Clark ahead of franchise tag deadline

In his press conference on Thursday, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider pointed to the fact that the organization hasn’t used the franchise tag on a player since 2010. The last player to get the tag was kicker Olindo Mare, and if the Seahawks can’t come to a contract agreement with defensive end Frank Clark, he’ll be the next.

Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to place the franchise tag on a player, both sides “continue to make progress on a long-term deal,” according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

With reports of Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham getting a three-year extension ahead of free agency, Clark may be among the next group of players to get a new deal. La Canfora also announced extensions for Eagles center Jason Kelce and Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Denzelle Good.

A month ago, Clark tweeted about getting the “paperwork done,” and possibly referencing his patience toward a getting a deal worked out soon.

After the departure of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril’s career ending injury last season, Clark started all 16 games for the first time in his four-year career. He had 13 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and three forced fumbles, all career highs, while also getting his first interception of his career.

Additionally, he was the top graded edge defender in the NFC West according to Pro Football Focus and over the course of his first four seasons, his pass rushing productivity has been comparable on an efficiency basis to Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack.

With quarterback Russell Wilson, linebacker Bobby Wagner and Jarran Reed all going into the final year of their contract, having Clark under contract long-term would be welcome news for Seahawks fans.