When the Baltimore Ravens used the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, many began to ponder the future of Chuck Clark.
Rumors emerged in the days following the draft that Clark could be a potential trade candidate this offseason following the addition of Hamilton.
The Ravens went out and signed star safety Marcus Williams in free agency, and with Hamilton now inserted into the fold, the team was a bit overloaded at the safety position.
Clark’s cryptic social media activity didn’t exactly quiet rumors either. However, head coach John Harbaugh is seemingly doing everything he can to ensure that those trade talks be silenced.
At least for the time being.
The Ravens want to keep Chuck Clark according to John Harbaugh
Harbaugh spoke to the media on Saturday and insisted that he was “planning” on Clark remaining in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.
"“I love the fact that we have very versatile players in the backend and at safety. So, to me, Chuck is a big part of this team, and I’m planning on Chuck being here. I’m not going to worry about all the other stuff. It’s part of pro football, I understand it. But I love Chuck Clark, I love the way he plays, and I’m very happy that he’s a Raven.”"
That doesn’t sound like someone who expects Clark to be traded. He did acknowledge that “the other stuff” is just a “part of pro football,” but he also insisted that his plans include Clark.
A sixth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Clark has been one of the Ravens’ starting safeties for the last three seasons. He’s a highly-regarded team leader on and off the field and someone who has even donned the sacred green dot.
The Ravens love Clark, and it also helps that he’s on a very team-friendly contract that will see him make under $5 million this season. There really wouldn’t be any incentive to move him, at least not a financial one.
However, if another team comes calling with an attractive enough offer, would the Ravens consider a trade? If you believe the rumor mill, they absolutely would.
The situation surrounding Chuck Clark is one that bears monitoring. John Harbaugh may plan on Clark remaining with the Ravens, but plans change frequently. Never say never.