Miller felt low-balled by the franchise, especially after they offered him less than $40 million in guaranteed money. The new deal in place includes a $23 million signing bonus and $42 million guaranteed at signing, along with $61 million guaranteed after the first year, and $70 million after the second year, making Miller the highest contract for a defensive player ever, although not the biggest in the league.
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The deal makes the 27-year-old Miller the highest-paid defensive player by average at just over $US19 million ($A25 million) per year. Most of the guaranteed money comes in the first two years of the contract.
Miller remained adamant this off-season that he would not play under the one-year, $14 million franchise tag. Taking the franchise tender would not only be giving up money this year, it could potentially be damaging long-term.
But the Broncos were under no obligation to pay, and could have placed the franchise tag on their star man. But if my window closes, I’m going to make sure I open up a thousand more opportunities for kids, to give them an opportunity to pick up where I left off. This will be their last chance to do so.
Miller’s contract also pushed him into the neighborhood of quarterback contracts in terms of guaranteed money, putting him behind only Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.
CHIEFS: Safety Eric Berry failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, meaning he will play this season under the value of his franchise tag, worth $10.8 million. It’s unlikely Miller would actually sit out any games, but stranger things have happened.
Dinner on Von. July 15 was a good day for outside linebacker Von Miller as he agreed to a six-year, $114.5 million contract with a nonquarterback-record $70 million in guarantees. Miller and his team of representatives weren’t biting, though, pointing to Cox’s six-year, $102.6 million deal with Philadelphia.
Last season Miller made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career, in addition to winning the Super Bowl MVP Award. He had five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in three playoff games.
In 2015, Miller led the Broncos’ No. 1-ranked defense (283.1 ypg) in sacks (11), tackles for a loss (9), quarterback hits (32), forced fumbles (4) and fumble recoveries (3).
Olivier Vernon’s contract with the New York Giants, signed in March, also had an impact on the negotiations.
Miller predicted peaceful contract negotiations 12 hours after spearheading Denver’s 24-10 win over Carolina in this year’s Super Bowl. Miller has 60 sacks since entering the National Football League in 2011, second only to Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. Bills officials announced the suspension Friday but did not specify how Williams violated the league’s substance abuse policy.
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Jeffery had a variety of injuries last season that limited his playing time.
