Clady Remains Unsigned Hours Before Training Camp Opener

Nothing like waiting til the eleventh hour… literally.

The Broncos kick off practices at 11:15 a.m. this morning, but first round draft pick OT Ryan Clady remains unsigned. The players are reporting for their physicals at 6 a.m., followed by the first team meetings a few hours later.

If Clady isn’t signed by the time practice begins, it’ll mark the second draft holdout the Broncos have experienced in 20 years. Head Coach Mike Shanahan remains confident that the deal will get done. “Chances are he’ll be signed, ready to go.”

“We’re close,” Clady said late Thursday night, “but we’re not there yet.”

Clady’s representative and the Broncos have only begun serious negotiations in the last few days. His agent, Pat Dye Jr., waited until the market around Clady began to settle before even submitting a counteroffer to the Broncos’ original offer made weeks ago. 10th overall pick Jerod Mayo, 14th overall pick Chris Williams, and 15th overall pick Branden Albert only just signed in the last 24 hours.

It’s looking like Clady might miss the morning practice, which is nothing short of frustrating for fans and coaches. I’m crossing my fingers they’ll get something done in the next few hours to get Clady in from the start; there’s no doubt the Broncos wanted him signed days ago.

UPDATE: Ryan Clady has signed with the Denver Broncos and will be ready for morning practices.