Broncos' Ryan Clady to have shoulder surgery, according to report

Broncos tackle Ryan Clady will need offseason shoulder surgery. (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady will need to undergo shoulder surgery for an injury suffered in the team's regular-season finale, The Denver Post's Mike Klis reported Monday.

Clady is expected to miss most offseason activities, but he should be ready for the start of next season.

Clady enters into a somewhat uncertain future with the Broncos. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the Broncos are expected to slap their franchise tag on him if the two sides cannot agree to a long-term contract. If the Broncos use their free agent tag on Clady, it would cost them approximately $9.66 million next season.

In July, the Broncos and Clady halted discussions on a contract extension until after the season. At the time, the Broncos were willing to make Clady the third-highest paid offensive tackle in the league.

“Although we want to reach an extension with Ryan, we are unable to do so at this time,” John Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations, told The Denver Post at the time. “Now, our complete focus as an organization must turn toward having a successful 2012 season.

“We’re looking forward to Ryan playing a key role on our team this year and hope he will be a Bronco for many seasons to come.”

Clady has started all 80 games of his five-year career with the Broncos. He was able to play through the shoulder injury during the Broncos' 38-35 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoffs.