Broncos LT Clady to be Franchise Tagged

Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Ryan Clady (78) during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The top free agent at tackle this off-season was the Denver Broncos’ Ryan Clady. Notice I used the term “was”. Clady was an unrestricted free agent but he won’t get the chance to test the market. The Broncos’ senior VP of football operations, John Elway, said today that the team would be placing the franchise tag on Clady. So there’s at least one big name free agent that the Chargers can cross off of their list this off-season.

Clady is an All-Pro tackle and considered by most to be the best pass protector in the league. Despite having two major surgeries in the past four seasons, the Broncos are working on a long-term deal to keep the 6’6″ 315 pounder in Denver. For his career, he’s only allowed 24 sacks, but 21 of those came in 2012. Despite the numbers from last season, the Broncos obviously know trust his previous numbers.

The Bolts sure could use a guy like him on the left side of the offensive line. It’s not for certain that the Chargers would’ve pursued the big mauler to protect Philip Rivers’ blind side but now we’ll never know. What we do know, is that the Chargers defensive ends are now going to be working on him during the 2013 season.

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