Ryan Clady Lost For The 2015 Season, So What Now?

May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak walks the field past quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the start of organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There are a myriad of free agent tackles on the market, Jake Long  and Anthony Collins to name a couple, who have some upside but for some reason or another have not lived up to their potential as top-flight offensive lineman.

For Long, he has been hampered by injuries in each of the past few season, including back-to-back seasons that ended with knee injuries. However, he could be a bargain on a one-year deal and is still a very good left tackle when healthy.

As for Collins, he had a good season in Cincinnati in 2013 but was hampered in 2014 by being a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He signed a big off-season contract with Tampa Bay after the 2013 and his productivity dropped precipitously in 2014. But I remind you that he played in Tampa Bay so I am not holding that bad season against him. He also could probably be picked up for a cap-friendly, one year deal.

No matter with whom the Broncos ultimately replace Ryan Clady, Coach Kubiak is sure to have the back…er, uh…blindside of his franchise quarterback. So whatever decision is made, I trust that it will give the Denver Broncos the best chance to win. Or not and the Peyton Manning window of opportunity will slam shut. For now, the glass is half full.