Ryan Clark Predictably Glum Over Rodgers Signing

The Pittsburgh Steelers are undeniably a better team than they were in the months before signing Aaron Rodgers.

On Thursday, the league’s least entertaining quarterback chase came to an end. Rodgers has emerged from the darkness of the offseason with a newfound will to play, and Pittsburgh has long been the only destination that makes sense.

Fans are understandably split on one of the league’s most polarizing passers. Rodgers has never shied away from controversy, and his outspoken nature has rubbed many the wrong way. Yet, it’s obvious he gives the Steelers a level of potency that Mason Rudolph doesn’t.

Perhaps one’s view of Rodgers lies in whether he can truly forge a deep playoff run with Pittsburgh’s roster. Ryan Clark doesn’t see that happening.

On “SportsCenter,” the former Steelers star slowed the hype on Pittsburgh’s chances after the Rodgers signing.

"This is the worst case scenario for Pittsburgh Steelers fans," Clark said. "[Rodgers] continues to keep you mired in mediocrity... Will they contend for that championship that Pittsburgh Steelers people and fans and the organization think is the standard? No, they won't.

"They'll be fighting for a wild-card spot, they'll probably be home Week 1 of the playoffs and again be looking for a franchise quarterback. If you told me you were going to pair one of this era's greatest coaches with one of this era's greatest quarterbacks, I'd expect greatness. That is not what we'll get. Maybe six years ago, but not now."

To an extent, Clark is right. Rodgers, coming off a poor season with the New York Jets, isn’t likely to end Pittsburgh’s playoff-win drought. He’s the next chapter in the Steelers’ trek through quarterback purgatory.

Yet, there is upside in the unknown, and the Pittsburgh faithful will be grateful to avoid 17 games of backup-level quarterbacking. There’s a chance he exceeds expectations and ends his career on a high note, and it’s easy to convince oneself that a strong defense with an adult under center could lead to success.

Given Clark’s history with Rodgers, we won’t expect a change of tune anytime soon, but this fanbase will cherish the Canton-bound quarterback like a champion if he pulls off anything close.