Jaguars pass rush could use a hand: Is DE Frank Clark a viable option?

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to bolster their pass rush if they want to solidify their spot as one of the top teams in the AFC this season. Besides outside linebacker Josh Allen, they don't have a player on their roster who can consistently bring the heat. Coincidentally, the Denver Broncos are reportedly ready to move on from defensive end Frank Clark. Should the Jags take a flyer on him?

Clark's "days as a Bronco are coming to an end," per Field Yates of ESPN. The three-time Pro Bowl nod will either be released or traded. Yates adds that Clark had agreed to a restructured deal Monday, giving back $1.6 million in guaranteed salary. This could potentially facilitate a deal.

Denver will likely entertain offers for Clark but teams know that he'll be released, so the bids for his services may not be too high. On the other hand, clubs who are legitimately interested in acquiring him won't mind giving up a draft pick or two if they can secure him before he hits the open market.

Clark became a free agent in March but only joined the Broncos until June, agreeing to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. So far, he hasn't lived up to expectations, playing a total of 36 snaps and logging two tackles in two games. That's simply not the kind of production the Broncos paid. Not surprisingly, they want to cut their losses and turn the page. The fact that they're 1-4 and without a cohesive plan in place, makes Clark expendable. If they can collect future assets, that's a plus.

Before landing in Denver, Clark played four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and four with the Seattle Seahawks. He's appeared in 122 games with 88 starts and logged 58.5 career sacks. He's also registered 13.5 sacks in 17 playoff games.

The Jaguars may pass on the chance to sign Frank Clark

There's no doubt Clark was an invaluable piece during the Chiefs' Super Bowl run but he's currently a shell of his former shell. Maybe he's not pleased with the lack of direction the Broncos are currently going through but that doesn't justify his dip in production. Will he only execute when things are going well? It's true that he's dealing with a hip injury but if that's the case, he can't help many teams right now.

The Jaguars could most definitely add reinforcements to the pass rush but it's fair to wonder whether Clark would be an upgrade. By all accounts, he's well-liked in the locker room but it's hard to tell if he would be all in if he were to sign with Jacksonville.

Clark could be in a funk and will benefit from a change of scenery but what if his decline is a sign of things to come rather than a rough stretch? Keep in mind that the Jags had a chance to pursue him in the offseason but opted not to. Perhaps his price tag was too high or maybe the team's brass didn't think he wasn't a fit. Either way, they already passed on the chance to sign him once.

When Frank Clark is at his best, he's a dominant pass rusher. However, he's been a non-factor during his short stint in Denver. The Jacksonville Jaguars will probably do due diligence but there may be better alternatives to bolster the pass rush via trade.