Broncos officially assigned the franchise tag to LT Ryan Clady. Executive VP John Elway announced the team was going to tag Clady two weeks ago, so this comes as no surprise. The Broncos and Clady haven't even discussed a long-term deal since the season, and that's mainly due to the fact that Clady needs shoulder surgery and will be sidelined five-to-six months. Denver wants to see how he comes back from that before committing major dollars. Clady is said to be seeking a contract similar to what Joe Thomas signed -- eight years and $92 million with $44 million guaranteed.

Free agent LT Ryan Clady says he is targeting a long-term contract in the range of Joe Thomas and Jason Peters'. "Just something comparable to Joe Thomas and Jason Peters," Clady said. "I feel like I'm in that category as far as tackles, so something along those lines." Thomas signed an eight-year, $92 million contract with $44 million guaranteed in August of 2011. Peters' deal is quite a bit older, having done a six-year, $60.657 million pact back in 2009. Peters received $25 million guaranteed.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady says he won't immediately sign his tender upon being franchise tagged, but will "eventually." "Not right now," Clady said when asked it he'd immediately sign. "I'd try to get done something by this summer, and if not, eventually, yes, I will sign. But as of right now? No." It's an indication Clady plans to skip OTAs and minicamp, but won't make trouble if the mid-summer deadline to sign franchise players to long-term deals comes and goes without an agreement. Clady should be formally tagged any day now.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady says his rehab from shoulder surgery is a five-to-six month process. Clady will almost certainly miss the entirety of the offseason program, but he should be healed in time for the 2013 opener. Broncos VP of football operations John Elway has already informed the Denver Post that the team will place the franchise tag on their free agent left tackle, and Clady has said he doesn't think it's a "sign of disrespect" while admitting it's "part of the business."

VP of football operations John Elway says the Broncos will use the franchise tag on free agent LT Ryan Clady. "We're going to tag him," Elway told the Denver Post. Elway says the sides would like to work out a long-term deal, but admits "things have changed a little bit because he's coming off a shoulder surgery." Clady has emerged as one of the best players in all of football, but has undergone two major operations in the past four years. He ruptured his patella tendon in 2010. Unless the Broncos can get their soon-to-be 27-year-old left tackle to agree to a team-friendly deal, he'll likely play under the franchise tag in 2013.

The Denver Post considers the Broncos "far more likely" to slap LT Ryan Clady with the franchise tag rather than sign him to a long-term deal before free agency. Clady turned down a deal worth $10 million annually last offseason. Tagging Clady would cost Denver "only" $9.66 million. Beat writer Jeff Legwold points to Clady's recent shoulder surgery, giving him two major operations in his career. Clady also underwent knee surgery after rupturing his patella tendon in 2010. Still just 26, Clady has made three Pro Bowls through five NFL seasons.

Broncos impending free agent LT Ryan Clady will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to miss most of the offseason. Clady is fully expected to be healed in time for the regular-season opener in 2013. The best available offensive tackle free agent on the market, Clady will absolutely be franchised by the Broncos if a multi-year extension can't be worked out this offseason. He turned down a five-year, $50 million extension before the start of the 2012 campaign and is said to be seeking upwards of $10 million per year. Clady has never missed a game in his five years in the league, starting all 80 contests.

Impending free agent LT Ryan Clady has withdrawn from this year's Pro Bowl due to a shoulder injury. It's the shoulder that kept Clady out of practice during the Broncos' playoff bye week. There's no indication that the injury will require surgery. Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth has replaced him on the AFC's roster. Clady, 26, has started all 80 games since entering the league in 2008.

The Broncos are expected to do "whatever is necessary" to keep free agent LT Ryan Clady. The Denver Post suggests the franchise tag will be in play. Clady turned down a five-year, $50 million offer from the Broncos last offseason. Multiple reports have since indicated there is "no way" Denver will let Clady hit free agency.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady (undisclosed) has resumed practicing in full this week. The team never did disclose the ailment that kept Clady out of practice last week, but it's a non-issue for the Divisional round. Clady is fully expected to start versus the Ravens on Saturday.