Von Miller, Denver Broncos resume contract negotiations
After taking some time away from one another, Von Miller and the Denver Broncos have decided to resume negotiations on a new long-term contract.
On Thursday, the Broncos submitted a new contract proposal to Miller and his representatives. The two sides had initially agreed to a six-year contract worth $114.5 million back in June. However, Miller had issues with how soon he would receive the money offered.
Denver reportedly offered to guarantee the third year of the contract, something that could quite possibly sway Miller into signing the long-term deal and eliminating the negotiation standoff.
Miller and the Broncos did not speak for an entire month. Over the Fourth of July weekend, though, general manager John Elway contacted Miller via telephone to see if the two sides could get back to the negotiation table. The conversation lasted fewer than 20 minutes, as Elway just wanted to reiterate to Miller how much he is valued by Denver.
If a contract cannot be signed by July 15, then Miller will have not be able to play for anything but the exclusive franchise tag price of $14.26 million. The dominating pass rusher has publicly and emphatically stated that he would sit out the season if that were the case.
According to NFL Media Insider Rand Getlin, Miller and the Broncos remain far apart in their talks.
I'm told significant distance remains between the #Broncos and Von Miller on a long-term deal. Guarantees and structure still an issue.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) July 8, 2016
During the Super Bowl, Miller had 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He played a key part in disrupting Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during the game. Being able to contain the reigning NFL MVP greatly enabled the Broncos to win the championship.
With Peyton Manning retiring from the NFL and Brock Osweiler signing with the Houston Texans, Miller is the best player on the Broncos roster. Many find it hard to believe that Denver would throw him a low ball offer, especially after seeing what the contract that the Philadelphia Eagles handed to Fletcher Cox.
The Broncos also had difficult negotiations with star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas last summer. Elway was able to get a deal done shortly before the deadline. The feeling around the NFL is that he will successfully be able to do the same with Miller in the next couple of days.
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