Ryan Clady Comments on Broncos Trade, Replacing D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Ryan Clady may be a four-time Pro Bowler, but the veteran left tackle plans on playing the role of underdog this season after getting traded from the Denver Broncos to the New York Jets in April.    

"I think it stings a little bit," Clady said Wednesday of getting dealt, according to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini. "There's a chip on my shoulder. I feel like I have something to prove. I'm ready for the challenge."

Clady's challenge will include filling some big cleats on the left side of the Jets offensive line.

Former Gang Green stalwart D'Brickashaw Ferguson retired in April following 10 stellar seasons as New York's anchor on the blind side, and he was the picture of stability during that stretch. Over the course of his decorated tenure with the Jets, Ferguson didn't miss a single regular-season game. 

Clady, on the other hand, is coming off an ACL tear that forced him to miss the entire 2015 season. And in 2013, he appeared in just two games before the Broncos placed him on season-ending injured reserve with a foot injury. 

"It's a little awkward," Clady said of replacing Ferguson, per Cimini. "A lot of guys still talk about [Ferguson], which they should. He was a great player and a great ambassador for the Jets."

Clady should also be primed to perform from a financial perspective. 

According to Spotrac, the 29-year-old restructured his contract upon arrival in New York—and his pact with the Jets assumed the form of a prove-it deal.

That means Clady will earn $6 million guaranteed in 2016, but his 2017 salary isn't guaranteed. Instead, it's a $7.5 million option the team can exercise or decline at its discretion. Clady also owns a $2.5 million roster bonus that's slated to be paid out if he is still with the Jets next February. 

In other words, the two-time All-Pro isn't lacking motivational catalysts as he seeks to prove the Broncos wrong for replacing him with Russell Okung.