BRADY HENDERSON

Seahawks notes: Frank Clark’s position, jersey numbers and more

Apr 20, 2016, 2:53 PM | Updated: Apr 21, 2016, 11:01 am

Regardless of his listed position, Frank Clark will help the Seahawks replace Bruce Irvin. (AP)...

Regardless of his listed position, Frank Clark will help the Seahawks replace Bruce Irvin. (AP)

(AP)

While the Seahawks have said this offseason that Frank Clark is in line for an expanded role in light of Bruce Irvin’s departure, their comments have suggested that his primary responsibility will continue to be rushing the passer as a defensive lineman.

So it raised some eyebrows Tuesday then when the Seahawks’ website listed Clark as an outside linebacker and 257 pounds. By Wednesday morning, though, Clark was back to being listed as a defensive end and 272 pounds – same as last year – after the team updated its online roster. A team spokesperson said the initial change in Clark’s position and weight was merely a clerical error.

The Seahawks began their voluntary offseason workout program on Monday. Among the first orders of business was testing and measurements. That Clark was initially listed at 257 pounds was interesting as that was what the scale read in a picture he posted to Twitter in March. That fueled speculation that he had dropped weight in order to take over for Irvin.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have identified Clark as part of their plan to replace Irvin, who played a versatile role as a starter at strong-side linebacker in Seattle’s base defense and a right defensive end in nickel situations. That meant Irvin was asked to set the edge, rush the passer and drop into coverage – more responsibilities than Seattle will give to any one player now that he’s gone.

Carroll mentioned to reporters in March that Clark was a candidate to rush from right end in passing situations. When asked about the possibility of Clark dropping into coverage, Schneider said he’s capable of doing so but that he’s “not a SAM linebacker in our system.”

Seattle’s plan for Clark will become more clear next month when the Seahawks hit the field for OTAs, some of which will be open to the media. All indications are that he’ll have a different role in his second season, but as of right now, it doesn’t appear as though it will entail a full-fledged position switch.

Here are some additional Seahawks notes:

• Defensive lineman Michael Bennett is among the players who have not been in attendance at the start of the team’s offseason workout program, according to a source. That’s not a surprise considering attendance is voluntary and Bennett is seeking a new contract. Players are not required to take part until mandatory minicamp, which Seattle will hold June 14-16.

• All seven of Seattle’s exclusive-rights free agents are under contract after cornerback Marcus Burley signed his tender, which was listed on Tuesday’s NFL transaction report. The other six: defensive back DeShawn Shead, cornerback Mohammed Seisay, safety Steven Terrell, defensive tackle A.J. Francis, linebacker Eric Pinkins and tight end Cooper Helfet. Not that there was any uncertainty with any of them. ERFAs can only sign with the team that tendered them – hence the term “exclusive rights” – so none of those players were going anywhere once they were tendered.

• Cornerback Brandon Browner will wear his familiar No. 39, which he wore during his first stint with Seattle and the past two seasons in New England and New Orleans. Seisay had that number last season but is now listed as No. 26, which belonged to cornerback Cary Williams last season until he was released. The jersey numbers for some of Seattle’s other new players: right tackle J’Marcus Webb is 73, left tackle Bradley Sowell is 78 (worn previously by departed offensive lineman Alvin Bailey) and defensive tackle Sealver Siliga is 98. No number is listed for Chris Clemons. He wore No. 91 during his first stint with Seattle and for the last two seasons in Jacksonville, but that now belongs to fellow defensive end Cassius March.

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Seahawks notes: Frank Clark’s position, jersey numbers and more