John Elway believes the Broncos can sign offensive tackle Ryan Clady to a long-term contract before the end of the year, according to Lindsay Jones. The Broncos used the franchise tag on Clady this offseason, but the tackle has yet to sign his $9.828 million tender.

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Clady, who has spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Broncos, is coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. In addition to not signing his tender, Clady also elected not to show up for the Broncos voluntary offseason workouts in hopes of reaching a long-term deal with the Broncos first.

The Broncos were unable to come to terms with Clady prior to the 2012 season, but Elway remains optimistic. Elway said," I eventually think we're going to be in good shape with Ryan [Clady]." Clady rejected a deal worth near $50 million during the 2012 season and would likely need a bigger long-term offer to agree to sign in Denver.

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