Rand Getlin of NFL Media reports that while the Broncos and franchise OLB Von Miller are a lot closer than they were just a week ago in contract talks, there’s still a distance to cover before there’s an agreement before Friday’s deadline.
While there has been some optimism around the league that the two sides will eventually work it out, Getlin doesn’t think it’s that clear cut right now.
According to Getlin, the threat of Miller sitting out the 2016 season is “very real,” and even his teammates believe Miller is serious about his threat to holdout and not play under the franchise tag.
Some have suggested that the Broncos would be wise to at least consider the idea of trading Miller if they get the impression that they won’t be able to reach an agreement on an extension.
This would at least allow the Broncos to recoup some draft capital in return for a player, who is in line to test the open market again in 2017.
Miller recently told ESPN that he won’t play out the 2016 season under the franchise.
“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 Pro Football Talk.
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.”
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.
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.
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