The Clady Train has officially left the station in Denver.
According to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN on Saturday, the New York Jets have acquired four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Ryan Clady and a seventh-round pick from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Denver has agreed to trade four-time Pro-Bowl OT Ryan Clady and a 7th-round pick to the Jets for a 5th-round pick, league sources told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2016
In acquiring Clady, the Jets will also restructure his contract to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $20.5 million with incentives, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Clady's first year goes to $7.5M with incentives (Okung had $5M). Clady has 2-year max value of $20.5M. Was to make $19.5M with no guarantee
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2016
The move opens up nearly $9 million in cap space for Denver, which they could use to fund their ongoing pursuit of a new quarterback, per Albert Breer of NFL Network.
Broncos save $8.9 million in cap space by dealing off Ryan Clady. Will carry $1.2 million in dead money. Creates room for a QB.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 10, 2016
The Broncos were said to be shopping the 29-year-old Clady for several weeks now, particularly after their recent signing of former Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung.
Clady, the Boise State product, is expected to assume the duties of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who announced his retirement earlier this week in a surprising turn of events.
All things considered the deal looks like a win-win as the Jets fill a sudden position of need at a relatively affordable cost given both Clady’s talent and his injury history. The Broncos, meanwhile, unload an excess piece and are now better equipped to address their quarterbacking dilemma.
Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
