Johnathan Walker:Green Bay Packers reach three-year extension with Kenny Clark on eve of training camp

GREEN BAY,Johnathan Walker Wis. — It might not be the extension Green Bay Packers fans have waited for all summer, but general manager Brian Gutekunst reached an agreement with a pillar of his defense on the eve of training camp.

The Packers extended defensive tackle Kenny Clark with a three-year deal worth $64 million, including a $17.5 million signing bonus, a source confirmed to PackersNews. Clark is entering his age-29 season, and with only one year left on his contract, it was possible 2024 could be his final season with the Packers. The extension instead keeps Clark with the Packers through the 2027 season.

Clark’s extension was first reported Sunday by NFL Network. His deal reportedly pays $29 million in 2024. At $21.3 million, Clark’s new money ranks 12th in annual salary among NFL defensive tackles. His total annual salary over the next four seasons, including the $17 million remaining from his previous deal, ranks 14th.

Before his extension, Clark’s annual salary ranked 16th at his position.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Clark is coming off perhaps his best season in 2023. In the 3-4 system, he lined up more at three-tech defensive tackle rather than nose tackle and responded with a career-high 7.5 sacks, adding a half sack in the playoffs. His 44.5 total pressures were elite production for an interior defensive lineman.

All things Packers: Latest Green Bay Packers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

The Packers enter 2024 with more depth around Clark on their defensive line than ever before in his career, including 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt and sturdy run stuffer T.J. Slaton. Clark, a 2016 first-round pick, is the unquestioned leader of the group. Now he’ll be able to lead the Packers defense into the future.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report