Both the Broncos and Von Miller were hoping to get a long-term deal done by the franchise-tag deadline later this afternoon, but it looks as if those talks have stalled, or at least they need more time. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Broncos have slapped the franchise tag on Von Miller.
#Broncos place exclusive franchise tag on Von Miller. Buys time to continue talking…
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 1, 2016
Von is now the first player to receive the exclusive tag designation, which prevents any team from making a play at Miller, since Drew Brees was given the designation back in 2012. The tag guarantees “The Vonster” $14 million this season if a long-term contract isn’t agreed upon by July 15.
Unlike most franchise-tag signees, though, that $14 million mark will almost definitely end up being less than what Miller will eventually end up earning, giving the Broncos the upper hand in negotiations for now.
Renck, though, believes that this is just another step towards that long-term deal, not a permanent solution.
#Broncos will continue talking with Von Miller's reps. Indicates progress. Last yr w Demaryius, talks shut down for weeks after tag applied
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 1, 2016
As Miller said on NFL Network Monday night, this is not the outcome he was looking for. His No. 1 priority is remaining in Denver for a long, long time.
“I have never been franchised before so I can’t really say, ‘Hey I don’t want to be franchised. I don’t want to do this.’ I can tell you what: I want to be with the Denver Broncos,” Miller said, via The Denver Post. “I want to be with Derek Wolfe, Chris Harris, all those guys, DT (Demaryius Thomas). I want to be with those guys my whole career, and whatever it takes to get it done I am down for.”
And without question, he will. The guy is too good for the Broncos to ever let him leave the state of Colorado.
Most sacks per game (min. 50 NFL games)
J.J. Watt 0.93
Reggie White 0.85
Von Miller 0.83
* Sacks become official stat in 1982— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 1, 2016
Unfortunately, this move also means that Malik Jackson and Brock Osweiler will be hitting the open market once free agency starts.