Ryan Clark found himself embroiled in a social media dispute with a fan after the fan called him out for what seemed like a shift in his stance on Kenny Pickett.
Initially, Clark praised Pickett on his podcast, but later on ESPN’s Get Up, he became critical of the young quarterback. Clark defended his position by highlighting the Steelers’ historical loyalty to their drafted players and their hesitance to rely on free agency to fill key positions.
Clark suggested that the Steelers should consider acquiring a veteran quarterback through free agency to compete with Pickett. He argued that if the veteran wins the competition, it would demonstrate the team’s efforts to improve, and if Pickett succeeds, they would have a confident first-round pick leading the team.
However, Clark expressed doubts about Pickett’s ability to meet the high standards set by the Steelers, a franchise with a rich history of success. He questioned whether Pickett could elevate the team’s offense and position them as contenders for Super Bowls. Clark emphasized the importance of finding a leader if Pickett is not the right fit for the role.
A fan criticized Clark for appearing hypocritical, noting his earlier praise for Pickett on his podcast. Clark responded by explaining that his opinions can change based on new developments, such as the start of a new season.
He maintained that if Pickett proves himself during the upcoming season, he would once again speak positively about him. However, based on Pickett’s performance in the previous season, Clark argued that he had not shown enough to warrant continued praise.
Should the Steelers opt to explore free agency, Clark pointed out several veteran options who are more experienced and accomplished than Pickett, suggesting they could provide better stability for the team.
