Ryan Clark's agent: 'Neither side has shut the door'

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in touch with pending unrestricted free agent safety Ryan Clark.

However, no deal is imminent even while the dialogue continues and Clark prepares to hit the open market Friday morning.

"Right now, communication is open," Clark's agent, Joel Turner, told National Football Post today. "We've agreed to stay in touch. Neither party has shut the door."

Despite a lot of contract talks with different proposals discussed, a formal offer hasn't been forthcoming.

Steelers director of football operations said that Clark is a high priority during the NFL scouting combine. The Steelers have locked up nose guard Casey Hampton with a new contract and designated kicker Jeff Reed as their franchise player.

Even though discussions haven't been acrimonious, the two sides aren't on the same page about Clark's value.

Turner expects a strong market for Clark, one of the most destructive hitters in the league.

The most high-profile example of that was the devastating blow he delivered on Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee two years ago.

"I think he's taken for granted," Turner said. "A lot of people forget how good he really is. With the defense he plays on the folks they've got around him, people forget about him. He's so valuable to the Steelers' defense.

"The Wes Welker collision rule was put in place because of Ryan Clark's hit on Willis McGahee. People don't understand. He's a phenomenal player, but a lot of other players get all the hype. He's a tremendous safety."

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