With no contract in place, Clady may be late

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 24, 2008 at 10:50 p.m.

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The Broncos entered today's opening of training camp far apart in negotiations with first-round draft pick Ryan Clady.

Discussions were ongoing Thursday night regarding the former Boise State player, who's expected to start at left tackle.

But barring an all-night bargaining session between the club's front office and Clady's representative, Pat Dye Jr., and without substantial movement in those talks, it appeared the 12th selection in the April draft initially could be a no-show.

The Broncos report for physicals at 6 a.m., followed by their first meeting two hours later. The Broncos normally meet Thursday afternoon, but that was pushed back so they made sure to adhere to a league rule necessitating a 15-day window before the first preseason game.

As for Clady, the Broncos for some time had been having difficulty getting a counteroffer off their original proposal before talks finally got serious Thursday.

It was clear Dye wanted to see how the market shaped up in the spots surrounding his client before proceeding. And with 10th pick Jerod Mayo signing with New England, coupled with agreements reached by two other tackles, Chris Williams (No. 14) and Branden Albert (No. 15), there was a greater sense of urgency. Still, there were roadblocks holding up the deal.

"If you look at our history over the last 20 years, I think we've had one person hold out," coach Mike Shanahan said. "So chances are he'll be signed, ready to go."

As expected, the Broncos hammered out a four-year contract with second-round pick Eddie Royal on Thursday morning. The contract is worth $3.95 million with $2.4 million in guaranteed money.

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