Denver Broncos: Who Needs Von Miller the Most?
After a season of Mile Highs in the city of Denver, the Broncos are still trying to re-up with the Super Bowl 50 MVP.
When you hear anyone in negotiations using the phrase “it’s not about the money,” we have a tendency turn skeptical.
Of course, when it comes to NFL contracts, it is indeed not all about the cheddar. It’s about the “guaranteed” money.
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As if stands right now, the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos and four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller are at an impasse. The two sides have agreed on a six-year, $114.5 million contract when it comes to the club’s exclusive rights franchise player. As far as the guaranteed aspect of the deal, there’s a difference of opinion.
Miller has yet to sign his tender, meaning the negotiations will go on. The Broncos and their standout defender have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. But for now, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Facebook, there hasn’t been a lot of discussion by the parties as of late.
“Von Miller and Broncos have had minimal communication in the last 10-12 days or so. Gone cold. Both sides still have wide gap on guaranteed money, which was and will be sticking point. Everyone’s comfortable with six-year, $114.5-million setup. All about how it’s structured. Absent of sudden progress over next three weeks, I’m told Miller has explored sitting out until March, when he’d become a non-exclusive franchise player, meaning a team could give up a first- and third-round pick for his services. Teams wouldn’t give that up for most players, but Miller isn’t most players. So, we’ll see. But that option is on the table.”
Could the Super Bowl 50 MVP sit out the season? If he signs his tender, would the Broncos trade the five-year pro this year? Is there a team out there who would break the bank for Miller in terms of money and draft choices?
Of course, the club’s devoid of a pass rush come to mind immediately. The Atlanta Falcons (19), Buffalo Bills (21), New York Giants (23), San Francisco 49ers (28) and Cleveland Browns (29) are the five teams in the league last season that totaled less than 30 sacks. The Giants added high-priced defensive end Olivier Vernon via free agency while the Falcons are hoping the move of Vic Beasley to outside linebacker and the addition of defensive end Derrick Shelby pays dividends.
The Browns are rebuilding with youth (14 draft choices in 2016), as is the case with the Niners. It also doesn’t seem like a move that the frugal Bills would make, having already jettisoned defensive end Mario Williams this offseason for various reasons – including opening up salary cap room.
Yes, there are other clubs that could be interested. The Dallas Cowboys have issues rushing the passer and won’t have defensive ends Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory the first four games of the season. But would they or any other club be able to afford the linebacker’s price.
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So who needs Miller the most? That’s an extremely easy question to answer. We just saw a team play three postseason games and their offensive unit score a combined four touchdowns. Meanwhile, one of their star defensive players totaled five sacks in those three contests. The club would walk away with a Lombardi Trophy and the performer with Super Bowl MVP honors.
When it’s all said and done, the Broncos need to ensure it’s still Miller time in the land of Coors.