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Associated Press 8y

Jets, Broncos announce trade that sends Clady to New York

NFL, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks

NEW YORK -- The New York Jets' search for a new left tackle didn't take long.

They announced Sunday that they agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos to acquire Ryan Clady to replace the retired D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

New York sent a fifth-round pick in this year's draft to Denver for Clady and a seventh-rounder.

Clady also agreed to a restructured deal with the Jets, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press. He was due $9.5 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2017 as part of the five-year, $52.5 million contract signed in 2013, the largest ever for a Broncos offensive lineman. But he received a one-year contract from the Jets that's worth $6 million in base salary, with $3 million of that guaranteed, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't release terms of contracts.

The person said the deal also includes an additional option year for a minimum of $10 million that could increase to $13 million based on playing time incentives, and it includes a $2.5 million bonus if Clady remains on the roster next February. He could become a free agent next offseason, however, if the Jets do not pick up the contract option.

Clady gives the Jets a starting-caliber replacement for Ferguson, but he has often been injured. He has missed 30 of the Broncos' last 48 games over the last three seasons.

When healthy, Clady has been one of the game's best at his position, making four Pro Bowls since being Denver's first-round pick out of Boise State in 2008.

"Ryan was a great Bronco who made a tremendous impact on our team during his eight seasons in Denver," general manager John Elway said in a statement issued by the team. "In addition to becoming a Pro Bowl player, he was such a positive presence in our locker room and community. Our organization thanks Ryan for his many contributions and wishes him all the best in the next chapter of his NFL career."

Clady became expendable when the Broncos signed tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson last month. The trade also freed up $8.9 million in salary cap space for the Super Bowl champions.

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AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Denver contributed to this report.

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