Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is “optimistic” about completing a new deal for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark.

A first-round pick in 2016 and a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019, Clark is scheduled to enter the fifth and final year of his rookie deal in 2020, but getting a new deal done this offseason would ensure he’s in Green Bay long term.

The Packers want to get that done in the next few months.

“I think it’s important. Kenny is a big part of what we do, very important to our defense,” Gutekunst said Friday. “I’m optimistic we’ll be able to come to some agreement at some point. These things don’t happen quickly usually. The idea was always to, some time this offseason, approach that, and we will.”

Clark, who is still only 24 years old, has emerged as one of the NFL’s best interior defensive players.

Over the last two seasons, Clark produced 12.0 sacks, 17 tackles for losses and 16 quarterback hits over 29 games. He finished the 2019 season ranked second among NFL interior defenders in total pressures, trailing only All-Pro Aaron Donald.

Under his current contract, Clark would make just under $8 million in 2020.

Clark wasn’t selected to the initial Pro Bowl roster but was added as a replacement earlier this week. The recognition was probably overdue for a player who has performed at a high level each of the last three seasons.

It’s likely Clark will want a deal equal or better than the four-year, $68 million extension Grady Jarrett signed with the Atlanta Falcons last summer. Jarrett’s deal included $38 million guaranteed at signing.