Broncos: John Elway plans to use franchise tag on Ryan Clady

The Broncos intend to use the franchise tag on left tackle Ryan Clady, GM John Elway said. (US Presswire)

Ryan Clady, Denver's three-time All-Pro left tackle, hasn't missed a game since entering the league in 2008 despite having suffered an array of injuries.

While Broncos general manager John Elway hopes to secure a long-term deal with the mammoth 6-7, 315-pound lineman, Elway said Friday the team intends to place the franchise tag on Clady when a two-week window for applying the designation begins next week.

Clady, a first-round pick who has started the past 80 games, underwent surgery on his right shoulder surgery several weeks ago to repair a damaged rotator cuff that hampered him during the final weeks of the season.

In 2010, Clady didn't miss any regular-season time after undergoing surgery on his knee. The Broncos and Clady broke off negotiations for a long-term contract last year before training camp.

“We'd like to work something out, like we did last year," Elway told The Denver Post. "Things have changed a little bit because he's coming off a shoulder surgery. But we like Ryan -- we like him a lot as a player.”

Regarded for his stellar pass protecting, Clady didn't allow a sack in 2012 until a Week 12 win over the Chiefs. He has improved dramatically from his rookie season in 2008 when he allowed a league-high 44 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

Clady likely will become one of the highest-paid Broncos if he receives a multi-year contract. In 2012, the top five highest-paid tackles in the league all had cap hits of at least $10 million for the season. If the Broncos are unable to work out a long-term deal with Clady, he will receive a one-year deal for approximately $9.66 million under the tag.

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