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

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.