Chuck Clark might need to morph into Clark Kent for the Detroit Lions' defense. Starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have yet to play this season, and the latter is likely done playing for good. Avonte Maddox subsequently became a starter for 2026, but he suffered a season-ending injury against the Bills.
Until Branch returns, Clark is Detroit's top free safety, with Thomas Harper set to replace Maddox on the other side. Considering how bad the Lions' defense looks through two games, Clark is one of the most vital players on the team going forward.
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So far this season, quarterbacks are throwing at Clark just 3.8% of the time he's in coverage (NextGen Stats). Out of every player in the NFL with at least 50 coverage snaps, only 12 have a better target rate than Clark. Whether it's because he is great in coverage, or because other receivers are open, QBs simply don't like to throw his way.
Clark made an impact when he came in for Maddox against the Bills, as he finished with a team-high 11 total tackles. If he can help defend both the run and the pass, it would go a long way towards cementing himself as the FS in Detroit until it finds a long-term solution.
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At 31 years old, he likely won't ever be an all-pro or reach a pro bowl, but he can still contribute. Clark was drafted by the Ravens in 2018 (6th round), and he started in 62 games out of a possible 77. He was traded to the Jets in 2023, but an ACL injury kept him out for the season.
Clark played and started in 12 games for New York in 2024, and he spent last season with the Steelers, wherein he started five games. The best season of his career came in 2022, when he played 100% of the Ravens' defensive snaps and recorded 101 tackles.
The Lions visit the Jets in week three, and given the Aaron Glenn connection, in addition to Clark playing his former team, the matchup will have some extra juice.
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