Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players
By Samuel Teets
26. Kenny Clark, DT/NT, Green Bay Packers
Fans often don’t include Clark’s name in discussions surrounding the league’s best interior defensive linemen. However, he made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and is entering this coming year with high expectations. Many analysts believe Clark could make the same leap Grady Jarrett did recently.
Clark is a beast against the run and plays an underrated role in the pass rush. Most people brush off his 12 sacks and 16 quarterback hits over the past two seasons as pedestrian totals, but Clark makes a more significant impact in the passing game than raw statistics show. If the Packers have to choose between franchise tagging Aaron Jones and Clark, they’re keeping Clark.
On his rookie contract, Clark only made around $2.34 million annually. His new deal should at least match Jarran Reed’s $11.5 million price tag.
25. Joe Thuney, G (Franchise Tag), New England Patriots
Since joining the Patriots as a third-round pick in 2016, Thuney hasn’t missed a start. He’s one of the best guards in the NFL, and PFF considers him “one of the 10 most valuable guards in each of the past three seasons.” In a free agency class loaded with offensive tackles, Thuney is the best available interior offensive lineman.
The Patriots franchise-tagged Thuney this offseason, but the two sides did not reach a long-term extension. Thuney makes $14.781 million on the tag. When the North Carolina State product signs a long-term deal, he should make closer to $13 million annually.