The Denver Broncos decided to place their franchise tag on LT Ryan Clady, which has been expected for weeks. Clady will make $9.828 million in 2013. However, Clady wants a lot more than that long-term. Clady declined a 5 year, $50 million contract offer last summer. and that deal even included almost $28 million guaranteed.
Ultimately, the Broncos need to give Clady what he wants. He was drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 draft, and since then, he has been a consistent starter for the Broncos. However, he really came on this. Clady only allowed one sack during the entire 2012 season. Considering he was on for almost 1,100 snaps, that is quite amazing. His play earned him a spot in this year’s Pro Bowl. He was unable to play due to shoulder issues, but the fact that he was elected as a starter at LT shows how good he is.
Let’s also not forget that Peyton Manning isn’t a very mobile quarterback. Unlike other QBs like Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, or even Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning is unable to make a play with his feet once a play breaks down. He needs a LT that he can trust to watch his blind side and Clady is that guy.
