This contract checks off all the boxes for Miller – the biggest overall deal for a non-QB in league history, most guaranteed money for an NFL defensive player and a benchmark contract that raises the bar for the next superstar.
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The deal would make Miller the highest-paid non-quarterback in National Football League history based on guaranteed money – and would make him the highest-paid player in Denver franchise history. The deal was mainly held up due to guaranteed or “Up front” money, but it got inked today as the pro bowler will make $114 million over 6 years, so it’s likely he will retire a Bronco.
“Von’s earned this contract not only for what he’s done in the past but for what we believe he’ll do in the future”, Elway said in a statement.
The final agreement comes after several months of contentious-and public-negotiations that had the organization set to apply the “franchise tag” to the four-time Pro Bowler, which would’ve secured him for a one-year contract for about $14 million. “We are confident that he will learn from this matter and that he understands what is expected of him moving forward”.
$70 million of that is said to be guaranteed. Miller was yet to comment on the offer.
Miller received the exclusive franchise tag March 1 after finishing last season with 11 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Kirk Cousins, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Berry and Trumaine Johnson, however, will all be playing this season under the value of their tags after they and their teams failed to agree on long-term contracts by the NFL’s deadline Friday.
Had Miller demanded that 79 percent of his $114.5 million deal (which is artificially low, as well) be guaranteed - and he’d be well within reason to do that as a free agent - he’d have made $20 million more on this deal.
The likelihood of the Broncos keeping their roster intact is not possible right now, but there are still players who are next to be extended.
Fletcher Cox quickly established a new floor for Miller with his $63.3 million in guarantees, and Luck’s deal raised the ceiling for Miller, the star of Super Bowl 50. So when Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack and Rams defensive linemen Aaron Donald are up for new contracts, they’ll be thanking Miller and will be shooting to surpass his numbers.
In three post-season games last season, Von Miller had five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
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Bills: Second-year running back Karlos Williams has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
