The Lions return All-Pro MIKE linebacker Jack Campbell and veteran SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes, but will have to replace starting WILL linebacker Alex Anzalone, who left to sign with Tampa Bay in free agency. Clark and returning veteran Malcolm Rodriguez are two potential candidates to fill the role.
“Anything for me to help my team get the victory,” Clark said Tuesday of what role he might have in Detroit. “Obviously, everyone wants to play on defense, but that comes with your role. My role last year, it decreased on the defensive side, but it increased on the special teams side, and that’s OK. You have to make the most of every opportunity and you got to put that on the forefront of your mind.”
Clark embraced his increased special teams role the last two seasons and has been one of the league’s better players on teams. Depending on the role he can carve out on defense, Clark’s addition could also be a big boost to Detroit’s special teams. He said Tuesday he’s looking forward to whatever role he can play that leads to Detroit winning more games in 2026.