Ryan

Clady

It’s also the only unit that has opened every game this season with the same starting five. The Broncos are the NFL’s top rushing team at 163.1 yards per game, evidence that the O-Line is a team strength going forward. It’s a positive sign for the Dynasty value of Tim Tebow.

The two sides have exchanged proposals, but are far enough apart that a deal before training camp opens appears unlikely. That makes it more likely that Clady will play out the final year of his rookie deal for $3.5 million. The two-time Pro Bowl protector of Peyton Manning’s blind side will be a candidate for the franchise tag next offseason if no extension is reached.

The Broncos have reportedly reached out to Clady’s agent, though nothing between the two sides appears imminent. Clady, 25, has regressed each of the past three seasons, and allowed a career-high nine sacks in 2011, but will likely be seeking top-five tackle money. A first-round pick in 2008, Clady is currently set to make $3.5 million in the final year of his rookie deal.

Clady is expected to show up for camp Thursday even though he’s entering the final year of his contract. The Broncos have reportedly put a five-year, $50 million contract that includes $28 million in guarantees on the table. That would place Clady’s average annual salary in the D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Trent Williams pay range. However, Clady is reportedly seeking Joe Thomas ($38.5 million guaranteed) money.

Clady rejected a five-year, $50 million offer that included $28 million in guarantees. The deal would’ve made him the league’s third-highest paid tackle. Instead, he’ll make $3.5 million in 2012 - the last year of his rookie deal. Although he’ll hope to test the free agent market next offseason, he’s an obvious candidate for the franchise tag.

Clady allowed a career-high nine sacks in 2011 despite the fact that the Broncos passed less than they ever have during his four-year tenure. Now entering his age-26 season, Clady is in the last year of his contract. It will be critical for him to improve in pass protection with Peyton Manning now under center.

The $28 million guaranteed over the first three years wouldn’t put Clady in the same ballpark as the $37M in Browns LT Joe Thomas’ contract. The Clady camp believes his production, when healthy, has been on par with that of Thomas and Dolphins LT Jake Long. Denver can wield the franchise tag next offseason.

Clady rejected the Broncos’ five-year, $50 million proposal, but the sides are continuing to negotiate. According to Pasquarelli, one “hang up” is that the Broncos “definitely feel” Clady isn’t comparable to Browns LT Joe Thomas, whose contract is being used as a bargaining point. Clady’s representatives are reportedly seeking Thomas’ $38.5 million in guaranteed money.

The proposal includes $28 million guaranteed and would make Clady one of the league’s top-five left tackles. Clady isn’t a top-five NFL left tackle, so the offer seems plenty reasonable. Clady’s camp, however, is so far rejecting the proposal and seeking a deal worth in excess of Browns LT Joe Thomas’ eight-year, $92 million deal, signed last August. A deal doesn’t sound imminent, barring the Broncos upping their offer or Clady lowering his demands.

Clady is aided by Peyton Manning’s pre-snap recognition and quick decision-making, but he’s still enjoying arguably his finest season in a contract year. Coach John Fox has noticed an improvement in his run-blocking to boot. After turning down a five-year, $50 million deal before the season, Clady will be a candidate for the franchise tag in 2013.