Damone Clark

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		55	212	0.5	—
2025		14	28	0.0	0
2024		14	28	0.5	0
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Among LB contracts at this AAV tier, Damone Clark's grades a B- Contract Value Index. At $1.4M annually on a rookie-scale deal, Clark represents exactly what that contract structure promises: affordable depth with minimal financial risk, paired with a performance grade that lands squarely in the C+ range—respectable but not dynamic. His 2025 season production of 28 tackles across 14 games underscores the reality the Lions organization understood when adding him: he's a below-average producer relative to defensive starter expectations, but one whose floor is high enough to warrant a rotational role in a competitive linebacker room. As a 25-year-old fourth-year player, Clark has moved past the pure developmental phase without establishing himself as a must-have contributor, which is precisely the contract valuation sweet spot—you're not overpaying for unrealized potential, but you're also not getting a bargain on proven excellence. The CVI grade reflects Detroit's measured approach here: this is a depth acquisition built on competition rather than guaranteed snaps, aligned perfectly with how the roster-building headlines frame his addition. With a rookie-scale contract carrying no guaranteed-money burden heading into the regular season, Clark's value equation remains favorable so long as he stays healthy and available for linebacker rotation snaps—the Lions pay only for what they use.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Damone's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Damone Clark is a four-year veteran linebacker for the Detroit Lions who has established himself as a depth contributor and occasional starter in the NFL's middle tier. At 26 years old with 55 career games logged, Clark occupies a familiar archetype: a solid, dependable tackler without elite coverage instincts or pass-rush production. His current C+ grade reflects an established player with a known ceiling—useful for Detroit's defensive rotation but not a pillar around which a defense is built. Clark's 2025 season has been concerning, however. He's averaging 2.00 tackles per game, notably below the NFL average of 2.19 and nowhere near the elite threshold of 7.32 tackles per contest. This marks a sharp decline from his B- season in 2023, and follows a disappointing 2024 campaign graded as D. The three-year downward trajectory—from B- to D to D+—suggests a player losing snaps or struggling to impact plays when lined up. In Detroit's defense, that reduced opportunity often signals either scheme misalignment or younger competition winning reps. Clark's ceiling appears capped at a quality reserve role rather than a three-down starter. The Lions should monitor whether this season's dip reflects a temporary role compression or a genuine decline in recognition and instinct. If he can recapture the consistency from 2023, he remains a useful depth piece; otherwise, his roster status bears watching heading into the offseason. His next season will be pivotal in determining whether he stabilizes as a backup or fades further down the depth chart.

How Damone Compares at the Position

Damone Clark ranks 111th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Damone between Odafe Oweh (B-) just ahead and Tatum Bethune (C+) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Lions add solid depth at linebacker with unrestricted free agent Clark. Multiple outlets report this as a routine roster construction move, pairing Clark with receiver Greg Dortch. Clark's availability as UFA suggests limited market demand despite prior NFL experience. Fans view this as competent depth-building rather than a splash acquisition. Detroit solidifies linebacker rotation depth while maintaining flexibility for higher-impact moves.