Danny

Clark

Clark was only viewed as a reserve by the Jags, but he was promised a chance to compete for a starting job in Oakland.

Clark knows coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme, having started at middle linebacker for him in 2005. He won’t be a threat to Kirk Morrison if he signs.

Cutting their former starting middle linebacker would save the Raiders $1.4 million in cap space. Clark has been replaced by Kirk Morrison in the starting lineup.

Ah, the fickle nature of IDP studs. Clark makes a lot of tackles, but only way past the line of scrimmage. His release is a good sign the defense is getting deeper. He could be picked up elsewhere.

A below-average starter for much of last season, the 33-year-old will offer insurance for the Texans while Brian Cushing serves out his four-game suspension. Zach Diles is expected to fill in on the strong side while Xavier Adibi and rookie Darryl Sharpton compete for the weak-side job. Clark will likely back up Diles.

Danny Clark is also expected to be a starter over Charlie Anderson and Shantee Orr at strong-side linebacker. C Steve McKinney should get the nod over incumbent Mike Flanagan. Johnson will give the Texans two solid pass rushers on the interior along with first-round pick Amobi Okoye.