Mike Klis of 9News reports that Broncos franchise OLB Von Miller is expected to skip the team’s offseason program, which opens on Monday, barring an agreement on a long-term deal.
According to Klis, Miller spoke with Broncos Gary Kubiak this week and informed him of his plans to skip offseason workouts.
It’s worth mentioning that Miller will be on “Dancing With The Stars” Monday, which likely conflicts with the start of workouts.
Denver is reportedly offering Miller close to $18 million per year in a long-term contract. However, Miller and his camp contend that he’s worth even more now that the Giants signed Olivier Vernon to a deal that will pay him $17 million per year.
Klis says that the Broncos and Miller’s agent, Joby Branion, have spoken in recent days and even exchanged proposals on a new deal.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported earlier in the week that the situation between the Broncos and Miller “has the potential to get messy this offseason.”
The Broncos haven’t been aggressive in handing out massive contract extensions for players under John Elway, but there’s no question that Miller deserves to be paid among the top players in the game.
This situation could ultimately come down to Miller’s willingness to play out the 2016 season under the franchise tag rather than accept a long-term deal from the Broncos that could include less money.
The two sides have until July to negotiate a long-term or Miller will end up playing out the year under the franchise tag and be in position to test the free agent market again in 2017.
Miller, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Broncos back in 2011. After playing out his rookie deal, Denver picked up his fifth-year option and later used their franchise tag on Miller this offseason.
He’s now in line to make $15.701 million fully guaranteed for the 2016 season. However, this won’t prevent them from negotiating a long-term deal that would reduce this figure and offer them some additional cap space.
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’ll have more regarding a long-term contract for Miller as the news is available.
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