Broncos Haven’t Had Any Contract Talks With Von Miller, Headed For Franchise Tag

Mike Klis of 9News reports that the Broncos haven’t had any contract talks with impending free agent OLB Von Miller, which further implies that he’s headed for the franchise tag.

There’s still the question of whether Denver will use the non-exclusive or exclusive franchise tag on Miller, as the non-exclusive franchise tag would allow other teams to sign him to an offer sheet if they’re willing to part ways with two first-round picks.

In the end, Klis expects Miller sign a long-term deal that will pay him somewhere between Justin Houston’s $16.83 million annual salary and Ndamukong Suh’s annual average of $19.06 million.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media recently reported that the Broncos are preparing to franchise Miller and try to work out a long-term contract extension afterwards, so this doesn’t come as a major surprise.

Denver has a number of free agents to address including QB Brock Osweiler, but there’s no question that they can’t afford to allow Miller to test the open market.

The franchise tag will run the Broncos close to $14 million for the 2016 season.

Jason Cole of B/R reported that it was becoming more and more apparent that Miller wants to be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, topping the $114 million deal signed by Suh last year.

Miller, 26, played out his four-year, $21 million rookie contract, and is playing out the 2015 season under the fifth-year option the Broncos picked up last year.

In 2015, Miller appeared all 16 games and recorded 35 tackles, 11 sacks, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense out of 53 qualifying players.

We have Miller listed as the No. 1 player in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.