Broncos' Clark Signs Restricted Free Agent Tender

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Denver Broncos backup tackle Chris Clark signed his $1.32 million restricted free agent tender on Wednesday.

Although Clark has made just a half-dozen starts for the Broncos over the last three seasons, he figures to get plenty of first-team snaps as Peyton Manning's blindside protector when offseason workouts begin.

That's because Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady is recovering from right shoulder surgery and is planning to skip the team's offseason program rather than sign his $9.8 million franchise tag. Clady, who has started all 80 games since the Broncos selected him 12th overall in the 2008 NFL draft out of Boise State, has said he hopes to sign a long-term deal with Denver this summer.

Clark is a fifth-year pro who has played in 40 career games.

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