Free agent FS Ryan Clark on Monday agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins.
Clark, 34, will be returning to the team that he played for in 2004-2005. It is not yet clear how much Washington will be paying Clark for 2014, but the veteran was said to be asking for starter-type money in his negotiations with Seattle and Washington. Clark has also gone on record to state that he would not sign with the Steelers for minimum salary, nor would he accept a backup role. Pittsburgh secured their replacement for Clark when they signed free agent FS Mike Mitchell to a five-year deal earlier this month.
Since arriving in Pittsburgh prior to the 2006 season as a replacement for former starter Chris Hope – who had signed with Tennessee and is now out of the league – Clark has become one the vocal leaders for the Steelers. The veteran was essential to the Steelers Super Bowl XLIII defense, and was named a team captain prior to the 2013 season. He has also served as the Steelers player representative to the NFL Players Association and was in that capacity when the new labor deal was reached in 2011. More recently, Clark was elected to serve on the NFLPA Executive Committee.
While playing for the Steelers, Clark created an imposing tandem with SS Troy Polamalu. Close friends off the field, Clark and Polamalu formed one of the best safety duos in football. The pair combined for the most memorable plays of the 2009 AFC Championship Game versus Baltimore at Heinz Field. After a 40-yard interception return touchdown by Polamalu had made the score 23-14, the Ravens were beginning to move the ball from their own 27-yard line. A short Flacco pass to RB Willis McGahee was met by a bone-jarring Clark tackle, forcing a fumble. The Steelers recovered the ball and were able to put away the game – rated by NFL.com as one of the most violent playoff contests in NFL history.
The Redskins are hoping that Clark can bring some of his veteran-savvy to a young defense. Despite a less-than formal departure from Pittsburgh, fans in the Steel City will always remember Clark as a proud Steeler and a player who always seemed to back up his words with quality play on the field.
