DENVER — The Denver Broncos know they’re going to have to pony up to keep free agents Von Miller and Brock Osweiler in orange and navy this off-season. They might just find some financial relief from their longest-tenured player to help them do that.
Star left tackle Ryan Clady told The Associated Press he’d be willing to restructure his contract to stay with the Broncos.
Clady said he hasn’t been approached about redoing his deal, but "I’m sure that’ll come after the season."
"I’m definitely willing to talk," Clady added. "I definitely would like to be a lifetime Bronco."
Clady, 29, is missing his second Super Bowl. Two years ago, he was out with a foot injury. This time, he’s sidelined with a knee injury: He tore his left ACL in May and missed the entire season.
The eighth-year pro is due $9.5 million next season and $10 million in 2017.
With Clady and his replacement, rookie Ty Sambrailo, both on IR — Sambrailo is recovering from shoulder surgery — veteran tackle Ryan Harris is serving as Peyton Manning’s blindside protector heading into Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers.
Clady, whose five-year, $52.5 million contract signed in 2013 is the largest ever for a Broncos offensive lineman, underwent knee surgery in June and said he’s ready for the upcoming off-season.
"I don’t know if they want me to do OTAs, but I feel I’m capable," he said. "They might want me to take it slow and then just be ready for training camp. We’ll see."
Clady was among seven injured players who accompanied the team on its flight Sunday to Northern California. That was a departure from the Broncos’ last trip to the Super Bowl when players on IR were left behind and didn’t meet up with their teammates until Thursday. That meant they missed out on media day and the team photo.
"I think it’s great," Clady said. "I like the fact that everybody’s coming because, honestly, I thought it was going to be like last time."
Clady said the injured players deserve to bask in the Super Bowl festivities because all of them helped the team get to this point even if they won’t be suiting up against the Panthers.
"I feel like I had a little bit of a stamp on this season," Clady said, "just being here for a long time and being a part of getting Peyton Manning here, and the success we’ve had since he’s been here. It’s exciting. I’m happy for my teammates. Unfortunately, I can’t play. But I’m happy for guys I’ve been working with for years."
