Von Miller Says He Won’t Play Under Franchise Tag, Considers It “League-Wide Problem”

Broncos franchise OLB Von Miller mentioned during an interview with ESPN that he isn’t going to play out the 2016 season under the franchise tag.

“No, I’m not gonna play on the franchise tag. It just doesn’t make sense in any way,” Miller said, via Michael David Smith of ESPN.

Miller added that the issue is beyond money, and he considers the franchise tag to be a “league-wide” problem.

“I’ve never really played for money,” Miller said. “It’s bigger than that for me. It’s a league-wide problem that I feel like I’m in a situation to help out with.”

There’s no question that Miller is in as good of any player in recent years to hold out and not play under the franchise tag. However, it would be interesting to see him pass on over $14 million guaranteed in the hope that a team will be willing to sign him to a massive contract and part with draft picks to sign him away from the Broncos, assuming they franchise him again.

The Broncos reportedly made Miller another offer late last week that included more guaranteed money and the third-year of the deal becoming guaranteed in March of next year.

Contract talks between the two sides are expected to pick up this week, so it’s possible that the talk of Miller sitting out the season could be for not.

The two sides have reportedly agreed on the framework of a six-year, $114.5 million contract, but there is obviously still work to be done before the upcoming deadline.

Miller, 27, 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.

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 possible extension for Miller as the news is available.