Baltimore Ravens’ safety Chuck Clark is getting a reward for the fine season he put up in 2019. Ravens announced on Monday that they have signed Clark to a three-year extension, which will keep him with the franchise through the 2023 NFL season.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Clark’s new deal is worth $19 million. The 24-year-old’s extension carries $10 million in guaranteed money.
Clark, a sixth-round pick in 2017, enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2019, starting 12 games and contributing with 68 tackles and one interception. He also added 1.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended.
“Chuck is a great story about hard work, patience, preparation, and passion,” said Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta. “He waited for his chance and seized the opportunity. Chuck’s a good football player, a fine teammate and a respected leader. He’s the type of player we want on our defense for a long time. Congrats to Chuck and his family.”
During his first two years with the franchise, Ravens mostly used Chuck Clark on special teams, where he played 75 percent of the snaps. On defense, he only took part in five percent of the snaps in his rookie season and 24 percent in his sophomore year.
This past season, however, Clark emerged as the first choice on safety position and became a part of one of the league’s best secondaries. His performances and versatility brought him praise from both around the league and inside the organization.
“Chuck is extremely smart. He can line everybody up, he can manage the defense, and on top of that, he’s a great athlete,” said Baltimore’s defensive backs coach Chris Hewitt. “He has every attribute to become a great player in this league.”
