Broncos Reach An Agreement With LT Ryan Clady On A Five-Year Deal

Update:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Denver Broncos have reached an agreement with LT Ryan Clady on a five-year deal worth $57.5 million and includes $33 million guaranteed.

• 63 percent of Clady’s contract will be guaranteed. (Adam Schefter)
• The base value for his deal comes out to $52.5 million, but he’ll have an opportunity to make $57.5 million. (Pro Football Talk)
• Clady would need to be voted to two Pro Bowls to earn all $57.5 million. (Jason La Canfora)

Here’s a comparison to some of the other contracts signed by left tackles:

• Joe Thomas: eight-years, $92 million, $44 million guaranteed. (signed in 2011)
  
• Duane Brown: seven-years, $56.2 million, $22.08 million guaranteed. (signed in 2012)
• Jake Long: four-years, $34 million, $16 million guaranteed. (signed in 2013)
• Jermon Bushrod:  five-years, $35.965 million, $22.465 million guaranteed. (signed in 2013)

Reports from earlier in the day suggested that the Broncos had increased their offer to $52.5 million, but it appears as though they upped their offer some to get Clady locked up.

Clady, 26, was franchised months ago and had a good deal of leverage, so it makes sense to see the Broncos get a deal done before Monday’s deadline.

We have Clady listed as the No. 3 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.

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ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Denver Broncos have increase their offer to left tackle Ryan Clady.

Clayton adds that Denver’s recent offer is a a five-year, $52.5 million contract that includes “significantly” more guaranteed money than 50 percent of the contract.

There continues to be optimism that the two sides will be able to reach an agreement before Monday’s deadline.

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Mike Garafolo of CBS Sports reports that sources have informed him that the Broncos and LT Ryan Clady have “gotten closer” to reaching an agreement on a long-term deal, but there’s apparently still a gap to be bridged.

• Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that the Broncos are offering Clady $33 million over the first three years with all $33 million guaranteed.

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Albert Breer of the NFL Network reported Wednesday night that the Broncos and  franchised LT Ryan Clady still have a “significant work” to do regarding a long-term contract extension.

Earlier in the week it appeared as though the two sides were making a decent amount of progress as the Broncos reportedly “sweetened” their offer to Clady. The new offer would reportedly make Clady the No. 2 highest paid offensive tackle in the league.

While there won’t be as much competition on the open market next at left tackle, there are still some good options that could prevent a team from committing huge money to Clady. Jared Veldheer, Eugene Monroe and Branden Albert all could have an opportunity to field offers as well.

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Mike Klis of Denver Post reports that the Broncos have “sweetened” their offer to franchised LT Ryan Clady.

• Klis adds that the new offer  could make him the second highest paid tackle in the league behind Browns LT Joe Thomas.

The two sides are working to finalize a deal that would prevent Clady from playing the 2013 season under his franchise tender which will pay him $9.823 million.

Clady previously rejected a five-year deal worth $50 million from the Broncos, but it appears as though the Broncos are serious about getting this deal done as soon as possible.

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Mike Klis of the Denver Post wrote Monday that the Denver Broncos and left tackle Ryan Clady will give the long-term talks one last go before the July 15 deadline.

Clady, who was franchise tagged by the Broncos during the offseason, has yet to sign his tender. He has, however, shown he is more than willing to do so but would like to work out a deal if it can be done.

If the two sides can’t work out such a contract, Clady’s tag will net him a nearly $10 million salary for the 2013 season.

The Broncos are reportedly being cautious thanks to VP John Elway, who wants to ensure Clady’s surgically repaired shoulder is fully functional prior to handing out a long-term deal.

It’s in Denver’s best interest to work out a deal now before the deadline. Otherwise, the franchise will have to face the same decisions in the 2014 offseason. If Clady was to get tagged again, his cap hit would be even higher. Additionally, he could also decide to hit the free agent market and cost the Broncos Peyton Manning‘s blindside protection.

It’s been reported that the deal offered Clady a five-year, $50 million deal, which was declined due to the first half structuring of the deal. Clady is believed to be seeking a similar contract to that of Joe Thomas (eight-years, $92 million deal with $44 million guaranteed).