NFL Rumors: Von Miller expected to get franchise tag from Broncos

Von Miller and the Denver Broncos are not expected to reach a long-term deal before the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday.

The Denver Broncos have to make some serious moves this offseason if they want to make a run at a second consecutive Super Bowl visit, and one of those moves is bringing back linebacker Von Miller. Miller played a crucial role in the Broncos’ road to the Super Bowl, playing in every single game this past season. In the final game, Miller helped shut down Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton with 2.5 sacks, and was a defensive wall with five solo tackles.

The Broncos and Miller have been talking about contract possibilities over the past few weeks, and as recently reported by Adam Schefter, if they want to bring him back they will have to franchise tag him because the two sides are not expected to reach a deal. This is a pretty common occurrence in the NFL, but can at times signal that the player and the team are not on the same page.

This report comes following Miller expressing confidence in the Broncos organization and the way John Elway runs it to get a deal done. Miller said that, “If I was with any other organization, if I was with any other team, maybe I’d be worried about everything.”

If the Broncos tag Miller, which they are expected to do, they would owe him $14.129 million for next season according to ESPN. Free agency, if they don’t tag Miller, would be the next option for the linebacker finding a team that will pay him, and that opens up on March 9th. Last season Miller made $5.25 million.

Miller was a defensive beast last season in his fifth year in the league, forcing 4 fumbles, completing 11.0 sacks and 30 solo tackles. One would only expect that if the Broncos pay him the numbers he’s expected to get, he would have to produce even larger numbers.