According to the NFL Network, the Steelers are actively talking about a contract extension with safety Ryan Clark, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2009 season.
As I reported earlier this week, the team is also in active negotiations with tight end Heath Miller.
The Steelers picked up a little over $3 million in salary cap space this week by signing left tackle Max Starks to a contract extension and seem intent on using it to keep some key parts of this team in Pittsburgh beyond this season.
16 comments:
I like Clark, though I wonder how his body will hold up in the long run.
3 year deal tops. Or a 4 year deal that is really a 3 year deal.
Hopefully Mundy can be a quality backup.
I think Clark is a very good safety. If we can sign Miller and Clark, I would be very happy with the offseason!
I think they will get that done. Clark could play somewhere else and possibly get paid slightly more. The keys here are "slightly" and I think this D is perfect for him and he will enjoy plenty of success here.
I think they will get a friendly deal done with him. He's a hell of a player and heady, but I still worry about him going to Denver and other health issues - he has almost no regard for his body, which is great to us fans, but not if he misses time.
Clark likes it here. He feels like he's part of something special and feels appreciated. He's a good player who gives it up on every play and is also a very bright guy. Can't say enough about him.
Dale I'm not disagreeing with what you know as facts, but after the whole Denver deabacle, he didn't seem appreciated, especially by the medical staff.
Can you expand some? Is all that just behind him now?
It's so nice to hear Ryan Clark get some props from you guys. This guy came from practically nowhere and has filled the FS role on our team oustandingly. He always seems to be in the right place, he's a sure tackler, and has become a more of a fearsome hitter since we got him. And he's fast enough to hold his own in the open field. I love what he's done for us. Hopefully he can keep his speed and stay healthy for another few years.
There are a lot of components involved in becoming a championship team. In the Steelers case, one of the things that they have done pretty well recently is hit on under the radar free agents.
These include players like Justin Hartwig, Mewelde Moore, and Keyaron Fox from last year and Ryan Clark from the previous year.
Of course they have made mistakes (Mahan), but they've generally been pretty good in that area recently.
Recent draft picks from the past two years will have to contribute more in supporting roles this season as the Steelers have not added any FA of note this year.
I disagree with your last statement, 70's. I think they added two good "under the radar" free agents as they do every year.
Shaun McDonald was brought in from Detroit, and has a shot at the #3 WR position.
Keiwan Ratliff from the Colts will be battleing it out with our rookies in camp for the #4 cb spot.
True, not big splashes, but solid veteren depth players that are good pieces for the team.
Back on the main topic, I love Clark being on this team. One of the best FA signings we've had. Get that man a new contract!
I had the same thought, Patrick, Clark seemed plenty pissed at the organization over the Denver thing.
Time heals all wounds. That was one SB rings ago, maybe he has gotten over it.
Bupp,
You could be correct. I completely forgot about Mcdonald and Ratliff.
I could see Mcdonald contributing as he provides experience, which Sweed and Wallace do not. He also brings a different skillset than those two and should still be in his prime, provided that he is healthy.
I'm not so sure Ratliff makes the team, but who knows. Tomlin seems to bring out the best in his db, so maybe he will surprise.
Won't Heeth Miller be a RFA if the corrective bartering agreement isn't reached ? cuz he doesn't have 6 seasons, and he's only played one contract, and I believe under the expiring CBA that would make him RFA.
Pro Football Talk reporting the Steelers signed 3rd rounder Kraig Urbik, G Wisconsin today.
The doctors are telling Clark that the sickle cell problems he had in Denver previously won't affect him any longer because the organs that were attacked are no longer a problem - he doesn't have them any longer.
He's still a little iffy himself on playing there. I guess I would be too if I almost died playing a game.
I really hope the Steelers give Miller and Clark contract extensions because they're both really talented players.
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