NFL players are not fans of the franchise tag, and Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady is no exception. Instead of reaching a long-term deal with Clady, Denver prevented him from reaching free agency by placing the franchise tag on their valuable left tackle. Clady is still looking for a long-term deal and will not attend Denver's offseason activities, according to The Denver Post.
Ryan Clady will miss Broncos’ offseason activities
Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady will miss Denver’s offseason workouts in hopes of receiving a new long-term contract.
Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
Clady will earn $9.6 million in 2013 under the franchise tag if Clady and the Broncos are unable to reach a long-term deal prior to the season. Clady has not signed his franchise tender, however, as he continues to do anything he can to gain leverage in long-term contract talks. As The Denver Post notes, Denver’s upcoming workouts are considered voluntary, and Clady is not considered a holdout by not showing up.
Denver and Clady attempted to reach a long-term deal prior to the 2012 season, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Clady reportedly rejected a deal worth $50 million.
Clady has established himself as one of the best left tackles in football and is tasked with protecting Peyton Manning's blind side. Pro Football Focus ranked Clady as the fourth-best offensive tackle in 2012.
If the Broncos and Clady are to reach an agreement, the deal will likely be north of the $50 million Clady rejected prior to last season. The St. Louis Rams recently signed Jake Long to a four-year, $34 million deal, and Clady has been a superior lineman in recent years.
It’s unknown if Clady will hold out from mandatory camps later this spring and summer, but one thing is clear -- the offensive lineman wants a long-term contract.
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