Negotiations with Ryan Clark

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jun 24, 2009 12:08 PM EDT Comment 10 comments

James Walker, the ESPN blogger for the AFC North, stated in a chat transcript that the Steelers have already had negotiations with Ryan Clark for an extension, even prior to the Starks signing. This indicates that the Steelers have placed a higher priority on Clark than Heath Miller, possibly because of the incresing likelihood that Miller is an RFA next year.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/27097/nfl%20with%20james%20walker

However, this seems to be a departure from the practices of years past. The Steelers have signed multiple players over 30 to long term deals (Farrior, Ward, Harrison, and Clark will turn 30 during this season). Also, they are signing guys at positions where they have traditionally been willing to let players go: secondary and LBs. Since this team has a proven track record, I like the idea of signing select contributors into their 30s. Personally, I think Clark is more valuable than Heath. He is not as talented as Heath, but the Steelers can win without a pass catching TE and Heath's blocking skills are replaceable. Anthony Smith showed us what happens when a Steelers FS can't play one of the most important role on the defense: prevent the deep ball.

I was hoping someone else had some information on the Clark negotiations. I haven't even heard about them until now. Seems all of the focus has been on Heath.

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I doubt Clark is a higher priority, but I think Clark might just be easier to negotiate with. Clark has played well with the Steelers, but at his age and considering he bounced around the league prior to the Steelers he isn’t really a big money player.

I think the negotiation with Clark can get done quicker than Miller because Miller is going to want to be paid like a top 5-10 TE in the league going into his big contract, but Clark will not get paid anywhere near top dollar.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Jun 24, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Heath is cheaper to tag, or if the RFA thing works out then we have that option. His contracting ending leaves the Steelers with more options than Clark’s does.

by SteelerFan Ben on Jun 24, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also here is the main problem with counting on Heath Miller to be an RFA. What happens if the Steelers chose to count on Heath not getting a contract and being an RFA and the league negotiates a deal and all of a sudden Heath hits the market next season as an UFA? We aren’t going to be able to offer him what he would get on the free agent market and we are stuck with everyone’s favorite player Matt Spaeth.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Jun 24, 2009 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m betting the Steelers will get a deal done with Miller this summer. However, if they don’t, they always have the option of tagging him to significantly decrease the likelihood he’ll be going anywhere else.

by King Coebra on Jun 24, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Acording to Dale Lolley

“My sources tell me that the Steelers are continuing talks with some of their players who will be free agents at the conclusion of the 2009 season, most notably offensive tackle Max Starks and tight end Heath Miller.” He was right about Starks so…

I guess Heath is the higher priority. And I will agreed with that. Think about it, who is his replacement? Spaeth….

by mikemex on Jun 24, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree, and think Miller will be a higher priority. But I don’t think Spaeth is any worse a replacement at TE than the guys standing behind Clark, at least at this juncture.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Jun 24, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The backups might be of equal value at their respective positions,

but as much respect as I have for Clark, he’s not as good a safety as Heath is a tight end.

But, as mentioned, we have better contingencies in place for Heath (RFA, a cheaper tag) so I like this strategy.

by Desroko on Jun 24, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with that, but Starks isn’t as good a tackle as heath is a tight end either. The FO is very good at taking the long-view on contract negotiations.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Jun 25, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deshea

Isn’t Townsend going to be the No. 2 FS next year? At least according to rumors.

by 36chambers on Jun 26, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Simple

Put Clark in another team’s uniform and place him on the field with Hines Ward. I think I’d have to turn my head away from the TV. I figure the FO feels the same way.

by Varmint on Jun 27, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs