The Broncos have said that tackle Ryan Clady will be given the franchise tag, if the two sides don’t work out a long-term deal.
He doesn’t like it, but he understands it.
“I don’t think it’s a sign of disrespect,” Clady told Josina Anderson of ESPN. “I just think it’s kind of part of the business. Am I okay with it? No. But it’s not like I’m out on the streets right now. I know I will have a job at least for one more year so, I’m still good. I would like to have long-term security in Denver, but if I don’t get anything done before the deadline then who knows?”
What we do know is that Clady reportedly turned down a five-year, $50 million deal last year. Which means that, to get a long-term deal done now, a lot more than the one-year franchise tag for offensive linemen will be needed.
Complicating the situation is the fact that Clady is recovering from a torn rotator cuff that he suffered on December 23. Clady tells Anderson it’s a five-to-six month rehab process.
The Broncos likely will want to confirm that Clady has fully recovered before signing him to a long-term deal. Even then, there’s no guarantee the two sides will come to an agreement.
Since he’s not under contract, Clady can stay away from all offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason. He can show up days before the start of the regular season, sign the offer, and receive the full amount of the $9.6 million franchise tender.