Clark also joined ESPN's Get Up and complimented the San Francisco 49ers signal-caller, calling Garoppolo a great quarterback while indicating that his past criticisms surrounded the Niners failing to utilize him in the playoffs.
"I feel like he's a great quarterback," Clark said. "At the end of the day, I feel like he gets paid a lot of money to win games. I feel like you can't win a lot of games throwing checkdowns -- on checkdowns. I feel like he's a great quarterback.
"I wouldn't put him in the top 5, things like that. Some would say they wouldn't put [me] in the top 5; I really don't care. Him being a great quarterback, I feel like he is because they wouldn't have paid him. They wouldn't have made the man the leader of his team.
"Hats off to them as a runner-up, but Pat Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league."
Garoppolo entered the Super Bowl coming off two playoff games where a lot wasn't asked of him, mostly due to a productive rushing attack. He threw just eight passes in the NFC Championship Game, which led many to question head coach Kyle Shanahan's faith in his quarterback.
Shanahan said on Thursday that he felt Garoppolo was on his way to potentially being named the Super Bowl MVP before a late-game collapse by San Francisco lost the game. The 49ers quarterback completed just 3 of 11 passes for 36 yards, an interception, and a passer rating of 2.8 in the fourth quarter of the 31-20 loss to the Chiefs.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
PFN predicts 49ers will sign Chiefs LB Nick Bolton
With free agency just weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a linebacker to replace Dre Greenlaw. The fan-favorite defender appeared in only two games last season after returning from an Achilles injury, only to suffer a setback that sidelined him for... -
Dane Brugler mock draft: 49ers select Georgia DE Mykel Williams
The Athletic's Dane Brugler released his latest mock draft, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to address what has become an underwhelming pass rush. Brugler has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the 11th... -
Report: Teams have inquired about trading for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
It seems unlikely that any team would pursue a trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk at this time. Not only is he now among the NFL's highest-paid wideouts, but he is also recovering from a significant ACL injury. No one is even sure Aiyuk will be ready to... -
Former NFL player explains how 49ers could benefit from paying Brock Purdy $54M annually
The Athletic's Dianna Russini and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel discussed Brock Purdy on the Scoop City podcast, examining what his next contract might look like. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to extend their young quarterback, and many believe he will soon rank...