PFT reports that the Denver Broncos will use their franchise tag on LT Ryan Clady. Clady and the team were unable to work out an extension before the 2012 season, leaving him to play out the final year of his contract and leaving the Broncos to do what they need to do to ensure his return in 2013. Elway, vice president of football operations, said that using the tag doesn’t mean the team isn’t looking for a longer arrangement with Clady.
There were reports after the end of the Broncos season that Clady’s shoulder surgery made the tag more likely as the Broncos wanted to buy themselves some time to assess his condition before entering into a long-term contract.
Clady would $9.66 million in 2013 if the two sides can’t agree on a long term deal.