A couple of months ago, the list of Steelers free agents after the 2009 season looked downright frightening. But slowly and surely, Pittsburgh is whittling down its collection of potential departures.First the Steelers re-signed left tackle Max Starks to a four-year extension, now there's word that they are working on a long-term deal with free safety Ryan Clark. The news comes from the NFL Network's Jason La Canfora (as relayed by Pro Football Talk).
There's no word yet on what kind of length and bonus they're talking about, but considering that Clark is making only $1.7 million in base salary this year and he's already 29, we're not talking about a break the bank (or the salary cap) deal.
The Steelers signed Clark for a bargain deal after losing Chris Hope in free agency after the 2006 season. Hope has gone on to be a Pro Bowler in Tennessee, but Clark has proven to be just as good or even a better fit than Hope in the Steelers' defense because of his steady play in center field. When he went down with a ruptured spleen in 2007, the Steelers' defense never really recovered. His stead play at free safety is part of what allows strong safety Troy Polamalu to roam all over the field--Clark is the team's true last line of defense.
Unless second-year pro Ryan Mundy proves to be a surprise, Pittsburgh doesn't have a replacement for Clark on the roster, and as Polamalu's struggles as a rookie showed, it's not easy for any rookie to step in an play at safety for the Dick LeBeau's defense. So getting Clark re-signed has to rank as one of Pittsburgh's remaining offseason priorities.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Who cares where Cheapshot Mcqueen signs.
Guy was run out of Washington because he cant cover as well as you make him out to, and his penchant for landing questionable penalties on questionable hits, something hes been able to get away with at a murder like rate in Pittsburgh.
Congrats to Clark if he gets the deal. Was pissed when the skins let him go.
Yeah I was mad when the skins let him walk, he was a great player for us and a great team guy. I hope he gets the deal he deserves
yeah he was no where near as good in Washington as far as coverage is concerned...but he was always a big hitter. Even the late great meast gave him props..
even if he signes an extension it still won't help the lucky steelers.
its o.k , we know your jealous of Pittsburghs success.Us Pitt fans love when people come on here and try to slam the Steelers, cause we know deep down your just a sore loser and you really wish you were a Pitt fan. Now go cry yourself to sleep with your barbie dolls
hey fool 6 SUPERBOWLS,SORRY LOSER
add pittsburg to places i could enjoy
what bitter jealous people. great move for the super bowl champs. what do you call your teams,the chumps or the losers?
the fact that the steelers are making Clark's contract a priority over re-signing TE Heath Miller is a testament to his value in one of the greatest defenses in NFL history
Trust me,claytor, the best thing that happened to clark was that the redskins released him. Now he has a super bowl ring with the steelers who, by the way, has an owner who knows how to run a team. Can't say the same for the skins!!
Good move for the Steelers if this is true!! We all know what the Steeler Defense was like without him in '07. We had Anthony Smith to fill in and we all know what a disaster that was!! Clark plays with a head on his shoulders! He doesn't bite on the play-action and is always in the right place. Couldn't say that for A. Smith!!! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Steelers got a bargain when they landed this guy. He turned out to be a great fit, they should keep him. Not signing Heath Miller? Ben hates the guy, anyway. Why keep a TE when you never throw it to him?
Not sure about never throwing it to him. He was third on the team in receptions behind the top 2 receivers, where most #1 tight ends are. And even if he didn't throw to him, he's a much better blocker than Spaeth so why wouldn't they keep him? He will most likely be the next priority.
Hm, Miller avgd 48 catches a season past two years, to go along with ten tds combined. Thats quite productive for a te, esp considering its the Steelers 20 attempts a game offense were talking about.
Id hardly call a consistent top ten tight end garbage, and even as a non Steeler fan, from what ive seen in games, it looks like Ben and Heath have great chemistry.
Miller is one of the better blocking TEs in the NFL! If the Steelers want to improve on last years 23td ranked rushing attack they should resign him. Besides that he is just entering his PRIME years! Start throwing the ball his way more and we are talking PRO BOWLS!!
We shouldn't be so quick to rip Pittsburgh for not attempting to resign Miller yet. I agree that Miller is a big part of Steeler success (I'm positive the Steelers do, too). The reason for lack of effort to resign Miller probably relates more to uncertainty over a new CBA.
I'm no salary cap expert, but I'm pretty sure that if the current CBA expires without a new agreement then players will have to put in a minimum six years in the league (instead of five as presently required) in order to hit unrestricted free agency. Heath is going into his 5th year this next season (unlike Clark, who's been in the league for 8 years). That means Miller will be a restricted free agent at the end of his contract next year rather than an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers have much more of an advantage keeping Miller on the roster if he's a restricted free agent. So I think they're simply waiting to see what happens with a CBA, they have no real motivation to rush and resign Miller until they know that a new agreement is in place.
Speaking of The 'Burgh holding to see what happens on the labor issues...does anyone equate Rooney's exit to the great Isle as a telltale sign that he already knows the cap is finished forever? Meaning our beloved NFL is about to enter a uncontrolled spending era...and our Stillers being a small market team might not be able to contend? Is the NFL about to become – curse the thought – THE NEW MLB??!
that jeff penesi guy must be a browns fan!! REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT
the steelers r the 6 time champions of the world no one and i mean no one can stop them and for all who dont like the steelers just wait and see wen we play your team how fast we put are steelers name on ther ass