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2016 NFL free agency: Who will Von Miller sign with?

By Matt Verderame

Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Where will Von Miller sign in 2016 NFL free agency?

After winning the Super Bowl in February and being named the game’s Most Valuable Player, Von Miller has positioned himself nicely for a huge contract. Let’s take a deep look at Miller and figure out what he is worth, and who is going to pay him the money.

Vitals

Age: 26
Notable stat: 60 career sacks
All-Pro teams: 4
Pro Bowls: 4

Contract comparisons

Miller is an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, so let’s look at some of his contemporaries. Justin Houston is getting the biggest payday at the position by a mile. He signed a six-year, $101 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in July 2015, with $51 million guaranteed. Houston led the league with 22 sacks in 2014-15, and is widely considered a superstar against the run as well.

For Miller, inflation of the cap helps along with his great postseason. Houston’s contract will serve as his floor. He is going to get paid, and likely become the highest-grossing linebacker on a single contract in NFL history.

Estimate: 6 years/$115 million/$60 million guaranteed

Will he stay?

The Denver Broncos are not letting Miller get away. He’s become one of the truly elite defensive players in this league alongside J.J. Watt, Richard Sherman, Khalil Mack and Houston. Denver is likely going to have to use the franchise tag on Miller, which will eat up a considerable amount of its cap space for 2016.

Currently, Miller is set for a $14 million price on the tag. If the Broncos can sign him long-term without having to slap the tag on him, Miller’s first-year cap hit will be significantly lower, perhaps around $5-6 million. This would help general manager John Elway sign Malik Jackson, Brock Osweiler and Danny Trevathan.

If he leaves…

If a miracle happens and Miller gets away from the Broncos (maybe a fax machine gets involved?), there will be a litany of suitors lining up. One would certainly be the Oakland Raiders, who have almost $75 million in cap space and miller’s former defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio, as their head coach. Other potential destinations would include the Chicago Bears, who have Miller’s former head coach in John Fox.

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