The Detroit Lions have added to their defensive options by signing veteran safety Chuck Clark.
Clark’s Career Spans Multiple Teams
Clark, aged 30, was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 as a sixth-round pick. He remained with the Ravens until 2022 before stints with the New York Jets (2023-24) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2025). Across his career, Clark has played in 123 games, starting 80 of them. He has accumulated 504 tackles, including 11 for loss, along with 37 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles (five recovered), and five interceptions.
Performance with the Steelers
Last season, Clark featured in 470 defensive snaps for the Steelers. Pro Football Focus noted him as an above-average run defender. While in coverage, he allowed 18 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He started in Pittsburgh’s postseason loss to the Houston Texans and earned a team-high overall defensive grade from PFF, at 89.1.
Lions Bolster Defensive Backfield
Clark missed the 2023 season due to a torn ACL. He is the third defensive back to join the Lions this offseason, following Roger McCreary (Los Angeles Rams) and Christian Izien Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). The Lions have also retained Rock Ya-Sin, Nick Whiteside and Loren Strickland.
Current State of Lions’ Safeties
The Lions’ current roster of safeties includes Clark, Izien, Strickland, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Thomas Harper and Dan Jackson. Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills and Damontae Kazee, who were with the Lions last season, are currently free agents. Daniel Thomas has moved to the Cleveland Browns.
Joseph (knee) and Branch (Achilles) are currently managing injuries. Lions GM Brad Holmes has stated that more will be known about Joseph’s condition in the coming weeks. Branch suffered his Achilles injury in a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 4.
The Lions will be hoping Clark’s experience can bring a steadying influence to their defensive unit.