Ravens’ Chuck Clark reportedly requested a trade after the NFL Draft
By Kristen Wong
Many were surprised when the Baltimore Ravens drafted a safety in the first round of the NFL Draft including veteran Chuck Clark.
Clark nonetheless seems to be firmly included in the Ravens’ future and there’s been no serious talk about a trade so far this offseason.
The veteran safety apparently did request to be traded out of Baltimore after the Ravens selected Kyle Hamilton in April and spoke frankly about his feelings regarding the situation.
"“Me personally, I just felt the situation that I was in, how things were going, of course, yeah I did ask, ‘Can I get out of here?’ And so, I felt like that didn’t happen and I wasn’t just going to give away my spot. If I’m not going to be a starter, it’s going to have to be taken from me.”"
A former sixth-round pick by Baltimore, Clark has developed into one of the team’s most vital defenders, serving as a reliable starter and the “green dot” wearer for the last three years. Despite submitting his trade request, Clark still participated in Ravens’ OTAs and all camp activities.
The Baltimore Ravens are not ready to part with safety Chuck Clark in 2022
Clark continues to prove himself as an irreplaceable leader in the defense, and with Week 1 only a stone’s throw away, he appears satisfied with his current role as he’s projected to start in the secondary in some capacity.
New defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald could end up rolling out more three-safety looks with Clark, Hamilton, and Marcus Williams while maximizing each defender’s strengths.
In training camp, Clark appears to be one of a select few defenders who have been able to successfully guard Mark Andrews in one-on-one drills, and he remains as alert as ever in notching interceptions.
Clark has also taken the high road and helped newcomers Williams and Hamilton adjust to the Ravens’ scheme, even congratulating Hamilton when the rookie got his first interception in camp.
"“I’m here, I’m locked in. They’re going to get what I got for right now. So, whatever comes in the future, that’s what’s going to come.”"
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The Chuck Clark drama appears to be over for now. Even though Clark doesn’t know what will happen in the coming years, he will most likely keep his starting role in the Ravens’ defense in 2022.