Disclaimer: General manager Brian Gutekunst doesn’t like to bring old guys back as a roster-building concept. But the Green Bay Packers didn’t necessarily want to part ways with defensive tackle Kenny Clark a year ago, it was a circumstance of the Dallas Cowboys wanting him as part of the Micah Parsons trade package.

Now, just six months after acquiring Clark, the Cowboys face a cruel market reality — one the Packers knew they would have faced if they hadn’t traded the defensive lineman. He’s set to make $21.5 million in 2026, and it’s a big financial commitment based on the stage of his career.

In a scenario where the Cowboys end up forced to release Clark, he could become a perfect solution for, guess what, the Packers.

Situation with the Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys appear to really like Kenny Clark and it would be surprising if Jerry Jones was willing to part ways with the veteran DT less than one year removed from telling fans Clark improved the defense in the present despite losing Micah Parsons.

But, out of the Cowboys’ seven largest cap hits in 2026, three defensive tackles, Clark included. At a $21 million cap hit himself, Dallas is unlikely to leave his contract as is. And even a contract restructure could be a risky proposition. It’s possible that Dallas will seek a reworked contract that includes a pay cut for this year while guaranteeing Clark money in 2027. They did something similar with DeMarcus Lawrence years ago and it makes sense here.

But if Clark isn’t willing to agree to pay cut, a release could absolutely be in the cards, regardless of how much they like him. And by the way, Dallas is meeting with a lot of DTs at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Fit within the Packers

The Packers didn’t invest in the defensive tackle spot last season before the sixth round of the draft, when they took Warren Brinson. Even though Clark was expensive, the team was prepared to keep him around for at least the 2025 season.

If Green Bay can sign him back for a reasonable price tag — let’s say $12 million a year — it would be a solid addition returning to play alongside Devonte Wyatt. It’s a new defensive scheme under Jonathan Gannon, but probably one that fits Clark’s style as a true nose tackle even better.

Curiously, the Packers are still handling Clark’s financial impact. The team had $18.065 million in dead money from Clark’s contract in 2025 and will have the final $17.007 million left in 2026. If the defensive tackle returned to Green Bay, his new contract would hit on top of that dead money.

It’s not necessarily a likely outcome, but it would certainly be the funniest for the Packers.

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