Ryan Clady, unsigned franchise player, would like to retire a Bronco

All Pro left tackle Ryan Clady says he would like to retire a Denver Bronco.

There's just one problem: he's currently not under contract.

Clady, the Broncos' designated franchise player in 2013, has not signed his one-year $9.8 million franchise tag offer, and is not working out at team facilities. The Boise State product tells Les and Tom Nalen of ESPN Denver 102.3 FM that the ball is in John Elway's court.

"There's no message in it," Clady said on not signing his franchise tag and rehabbing at Dove Valley. "You would have to ask Elway or someone in the front office what their plans for me are."

John Elway and the Broncos reportedly haven't had contract talks with Clady and his representative since July of last year, when they made him a $50 million offer. Clady can say there is no message behind his pseudo-holdout, but really the message is clear: he wants a long-term deal.

And deservedly so. Clady, the Broncos' top overall draft pick in 2008, has started every game in his record-setting career for the Broncos. A two-time All Pro selection and three-time Pro Bowler, Clady was superb as protector of Peyton Manning's backside in 2012, a season that saw the Broncos rank 2nd in scoring offense.

But until either Clady or the Broncos bend on his contract status, the fans remain in limbo, hoping that their star left tackle will indeed get the opportunity to retire in orange and blue.

"I love the city & organization, it's been nothing but good to me. I would definitly like to retire a Bronco." Clady #Broncos

— Les and Tom Nalen (@LesAndTomNalen) April 18, 2013

What say you, Broncos fans? Should Clady continue to wait for the Broncos to start negotiating with him on a long-term deal again, or should he report to team facilities for rehabilitation and workouts?