It’s deadline week in the AFC West.

July 15 is the final day of the calendar year in which a franchised player can sign a contract extension. Denver’s Ryan Clady and Kansas City’s Branden Albert were both given the franchise tag. Thus, if neither player signs an extension in the next eight days, neither can sign a new deal until after the season is over.

Predictably, the agents for both players will be talking to the Broncos and Chiefs this week. The Chiefs and Albert’s representative have long planned to talk this week. The Denver Post reported on Sunday that the Broncos and Clady will talk this week.

I think the odds are higher that Albert re-signs this week, but nothing would surprise me.

If neither player signs by the deadline, I do not think it will be a terrible sign. Deals can easily get done after the season and before free agency starts next March.

In other AFC West notes:

In an Insider piece, Chris Sprow offers his views on Denver’s Super Bowl window.

The AFC West isn’t getting much respect on this list.