The Broncos and left tackle Ryan Clady mutually agreed on Monday to halt contract negotiations until after the 2012 season.
Clady will make $3.5 million in 2012, which is the final year of a five-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2008.
The Broncos most recent offer to Clady was for five years and $50 million, with $28 million of it guaranteed, according to the Denver Post.
That would made Clady the third highest-paid veteran offensive tackle in the NFL.
The Broncos had set Monday as the deadline for contract negotiations.
“Although we want to reach an extension with Ryan, we are unable to do so at this time,” Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations John Elway said, according to the Post. “Now, our complete focus as an organization must turn toward having a successful 2012 season.
“We’re looking forward to Ryan playing a key role on our team this year and hope he will be a Bronco for many seasons to come.”
Clady will be eligible for free agency at the end of the upcoming season. But the Broncos can put the franchise tag on Clady, keeping him with the Broncos through the 2013 season.
Clady, 25, was a first-team all-Pro in 2009, and he has started every game in his four years in the NFL.