Former Steelers Safety Chuck Clark Signs with Detroit Lions

The 30-year-old veteran safety joins the NFC team after one season in Pittsburgh.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of a defensive back making a play, reflecting the complex and fragmented nature of modern professional football.Today in Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Chuck Clark has signed with the Detroit Lions, the team announced on Tuesday. Clark, a 30-year-old veteran, played in 15 games for the Steelers last season, starting five. He recorded 51 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.

Why it matters

The Steelers had signed Clark last year to provide depth at the safety position after trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, with the team drafting safety Jaquan Brisker in free agency, Clark's services were no longer needed in Pittsburgh, leading to his move to the Lions.

The details

Clark joined the Steelers in July 2025 after playing the previous two seasons with the New York Jets. He started the Wild Card game against the Houston Texans in place of Kyle Dugger, who had struggled late in the season. Prior to his time with the Jets, Clark spent six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, the team that drafted him in the sixth round in 2017.

  • Clark signed with the Detroit Lions on March 31, 2026.
  • He played in 15 games for the Steelers in the 2025 season.

The players

Chuck Clark

A 30-year-old veteran safety who has played for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers over his 7-year NFL career.

Kyle Dugger

A safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was benched late in the 2025 season in favor of Clark.

Jaquan Brisker

A safety drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, leading to Clark's departure from the team.

Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback who had a strong performance against the Steelers in Week 18 of the 2025 season, exposing issues in the Steelers' secondary.

Zay Flowers

The Ravens wide receiver who caught a 64-yard touchdown pass against the Steelers in Week 18 of the 2025 season.

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The takeaway

This move highlights the constant roster churn in the NFL, as veteran players like Clark find new homes when their previous teams no longer have a need for their services. It also shows the importance of depth in the secondary, as the Steelers had to rely on Clark late in the season due to issues with their starting safeties.