With franchise tags flying, it’s a matter of time before the Broncos apply theirs to left tackle Ryan Clady.
And the chances of a long-term deal, already small, can now be called officially nil. At least for now.
Per a league source, there have been no discussions or communications or even contact between the two sides since the season ended.
Last week at the Scouting Combine, Broncos V.P. of football operations John Elway told Pro Football Talk that the team will wait to see how Clady’s shoulder heals following surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. If the two sides can’t work out a long-term deal, Clady can boycott all offseason workouts and preseason activities, showing up on the eve of Week One, signing the tender, and collecting the full amount of his franchise-tag salary of $9.83 million.
The Broncos have until 4:00 p.m. ET Monday to use the tag.