Twitter Reactions and Updates to Ryan Clady Signing with Broncos

A day before the franchise tag signing deadline, the Denver Broncos came to terms on a multi-year deal with All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.  The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, CBS4's Vic Lombardi, and ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio.

Ryan Clady and Denver have agreed to a five-year, $57.5 million contract, including $33 million guaranteed.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2013

Clady and the Broncos agree to 5-year deal. As we reported last week, $33-million guaranteed. Nice work. Play ball.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) July 15, 2013

Base value for Clady is $52.5m. Max value is $57.5m. Post coming at PFT.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 15, 2013

As Schefter noted, nearly 65% of Clady's $52.5 million is guaranteed.  Clady's "max value" of $57.5 million is likely based on incentives, such as Pro Bowl selections, playoff victories, and sacks allowed.

His $33 million in guarantees will come through the first three years of his deal, as NFL Network's Albert Breer reported.  If he maxes out his contract, Clady will be the second-highest paid left tackle in the NFL, second only to Cleveland's Joe Thomas.

Ryan Clady's Denver deal has $33M in its first 3 years, which is significant as he comes off surgery. That represents the $33M guarantee.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 15, 2013

Technically, Clady's contract makes him the 3rd highest-paid LT in football. But if he maxes out the contract, could be 2nd highest.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) July 15, 2013

Per Lombardi, Clady will receive $15 million in 2013.  That's a huge jump from his 2012 base salary of $3.5 million.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady: 4th OL in NFL history to start all 16 games and make at least 3 PBs in 1st 5 seasons. Also great in community.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) July 15, 2013

Clady, 26, is entering his sixth season with the Broncos after allowing 26 sacks since being drafted by the team in the first round (12th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft (an average .325 sacks allowed per start, or, about one every three games).

Denver OL is young & talented. Clady, Beadles, Walton & Vazquez-26 yr olds. Franklin is only 25.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 15, 2013

Clady is recovering from shoulder surgery and told ESPN's Josina Anderson the following:

"The shoulder is coming along.  It's not 100 percent yet, but it's getting there.  The plan is to take it slow during the beginning of camp.  It will be good to go all the way by the regular season."

As for his teammates, they are certainly glad to see Clady locked up in time for training camp, which starts on Thursday, July 25.

Glad to see we finally signed back the best offensive lineman (in my opinion) in the NFL today.. Welcome back Ryan Clady!!! #BRONCOS
— Robert Ayers Jr (@1_900_ayersjr) July 15, 2013

Happiest of all should be quarterback Peyton Manning, who will again have his blindside protected by Clady this fall.  Last season, Clady allowed just one sack as Denver went 13-3 in regular season play.

"I'm blessed for this opportunity to play for such a great franchise for another five years," said Denver's @RyanClady.
— Jon Heath (@JHSMDEN) July 15, 2013

The Broncos confirmed the signing on Sunday evening and announced that Clady will hold a conference call with the media at 1 p.m. (MT) on Monday afternoon.