The Denver Broncos have yet to hammer out a long-term contract with left tackle Ryan Clady, who remains unsigned with training camp on the immediate horizon. Peyton Manning doesn't sound concerned.
"I think any quarterback would tell you they want their left tackle to be signed and secured," he said Friday at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La. "I feel like that will happen. That's the business side of it, there's two sides to it. I think everybody knows how important he is to us."
Clady and the Broncosresumed contract talks this week, with Denver reportedly improving on the five-year, $50 million offer that Clady rejected last summer. The Broncos used their franchise tag on Clady, but the three-time Pro Bowl tackle has not signed his tender.
According to The Denver Post, the Broncos' latest proposal would put Clady's annual salary between those of Joe Thomas ($11.5 million) and Jason Peters ($10.1 million) and ahead of the contracts recently signed by Duane Brown ($8.9 million) and Jake Long ($8.5 million).
Clady is one of the best blind-side protectors in the business, and Manning is too important to leave vulnerable as he inches into his late 30s. Consider it a surprise if the sides don't agree on a long-term pact by Monday's deadline.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
