NFL Free Agency Rumors: Carolina Panthers, Ryan Clark have had discussions

Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) reacts after almost intercepting the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

While earlier this week the Carolina Panthers lost one of their constants in the secondary to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed Mike Mitchell, they might be returning the favor to the Steelers as the Charlotte Observer is reporting that the team has already had discussions with former Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark.

"After losing free safety Mike Mitchell to the Steelers in free agency this week, the Panthers have had preliminary talks with former Steelers safety Ryan Clark, a league source said Friday."

The loss of Mitchell to the Steelers was a bit disheartening, but adding Clark would ease that pain quite a bit. Last season, the veteran once again had an outstanding season for Pittsburgh, finishing up with 104 tackles, and he also would bring 15 career interceptions to the table.

What Clark also brings is durability, as he’s started 14 games in each of the last six seasons, and twice was a member of the league’s no. 1 defense with the Steelers, and he was a huge contributor to that.

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