Detroit Lions Sign Veteran Safety Chuck Clark in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions needed help at safety, and they may have found the perfect veteran. Chuck Clark brings toughness, versatility and experience to a secondary that was hit hard by injuries last season.
The Detroit Lions continued to stay active in free agency, adding veteran safety help by signing Chuck Clark. The move gives Detroit an experienced and versatile defensive back as the team looks to rebuild depth in the secondary after injuries plagued the position last season. Clark enters his ninth NFL season after spending most of his career with the Baltimore Ravens and most recently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Throughout his career, Clark built a reputation as one of the league’s most durable players. During his first six seasons in the NFL, he missed just one game, earning a reputation as an iron man in the secondary. That streak ended in 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL, but he returned to the field and played 15 games last season, starting five.
Originally a sixth-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech, Clark has carved out a long and productive career despite being a late selection. Last season, he recorded 51 total tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit while playing 437 defensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark earned a 70.
3 overall defensive grade during the 2025 season, ranking 26th among 98 qualified safeties. His run defense was particularly strong, as he posted an 83. 1 run-defense grade, which ranked seventh at the position.