The Seattle Seahawks addressed the secondary in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting TCU’s safety Bud Clark 64th overall. Clark enjoyed a strong six-year tenure with the Horned Frogs, totaling 214 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 15 interceptions, two pick-sixes, 21 pass breakups, and one forced fumble across 61 games. The 24-year-old DB had a solid senior season, recording 56 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, one pick-six, and a career-high seven pass breakups in 11 games.
In his rookie season, Clark will compete against Ty Okada for the No. 3 safety role. Since the Seahawks like to move Swiss Army Knife Nick Emmanwori around, he could be in store for a key role if he wins.
The Seattle Seahawks signed a safety with 15 college interceptions
Seattle Seahawks, NFL Draft
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Aaron Wilson of KRPC 2, the Seahawks have signed Bud Clark to a four-year rookie contract with 69.44% fully guaranteed, up from the 58.6% received by last year’s 64th pick. The deal is worth $7.878 million with a $2.198 million signing bonus. As Wilson notes, Clark will earn a fully guaranteed salary in 2026 and 2027, along with $1.152 million guaranteed in 2028.
#Seahawks agreed to terms with second-round safety Bud Clark on a four-year, $7.878 million deal that includes $2.198 million signing bonus, per a league source.
Fully guaranteed 2026 and 2027, with $1.152 million fully guaranteed in 2028 for 69.44 percent of deal fully gtd, up…
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 13, 2026
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“A sixth-year senior, Clark’s traits won’t pop but his tape most certainly will. Clark is a coverage-versatile safety in a cornerback’s body with the talent to range over the top or man up on the slot. He plays with an overriding desire to do everything all at once – which produces spectacular takeaways and occasional breakdowns – but the good outweighs the bad.
“He triggers downhill in run support and tackles with proper technique, but a lack of size could lead to broken tackles/durability concerns. He might need time to acclimate to the speed/skill of his opponents but his instincts and ball skills give him a good chance to punish mistakes on the next level as an alignment-flexible option.”
He projects as an average starter.