FLORHAM PARK -- Ryan Clady, the Jets' new left tackle, understands why the Broncos decided to trade him this offseason.

Clady missed last season with a torn ACL, and he was limited to just two games in 2013 by a foot fracture.

Plus, Clady was scheduled to carry a $10.1 million salary cap figure in 2016. The Broncos saved $8.9 million in cap space by trading him.

And by the time the Broncos traded Clady, they had already signed Russell Okung to replace him, with Okung carrying a $5.2 million cap number in 2016.

So while Clady understood the business rationale behind the Broncos' decision to trade him, it didn't exactly make him happy.

"I think it stings a little bit, a little chip on my shoulder," he said Wednesday after the Jets' organized team activities practice. "I feel like I've got something to prove. So I'm ready for the challenge."

Well aware of his own injury history and cap charge for 2016, Clady was able to brace for being traded or released, as he entered the offseason.

"They felt they needed to move on, and I think there's a good chance for me, as well [with the Jets]," said Clady, 29. "I knew there was a good chance that they'd be moving on, so I kind of mentally prepared myself."

With the Jets, Clady is replacing the retired D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who started every game at left tackle for the Jets (167 in all) since they drafted him in 2006.

Two years later, in 2008, the Broncos drafted Clady 12th overall. He made four Pro Bowls with them and was a two-time first-team All-Pro. Besides last season and 2013, Clady played six fully healthy seasons for Denver, starting every game.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.