For the last few months, the Von Miller discussion has seemingly been leading towards one of two outcomes: Either the Broncos budge and pay him what he wants or he spends the season on the franchise tag.
As we get closer to the deadline, though, another option seems to be emerging: He sits out.
While it sounds absurd, there are real benefits to both sides. For one, while Miller would be burning the $14 million he would have received under his exclusive franchise tag in 2016, the Broncos won’t be able to use the same exclusive tag in 2017, meaning that Miller could test his market in free agency.
Under the CBA it states that the Broncos would not be able to place the exclusive franchise tag on Miller again if he sits out all of 2016. In 2017, Miller would become a non-exclusive franchise player, which would allow him to an offer sheet with another franchise, forcing the Broncos to match.
If, though, the Broncos didn’t match, they would receive a first- and third-round pick in return for Miller from the signing team. In that scenario, the Broncos would have lost Miller, but they would have saved $14 million in 2016 and earned two valuable picks in the process.
The Afternoon Drive with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1310/FM 104.7 explored the reasons why the Broncos are hesitant to sign Miller and what Miller can do to avoid losing money.
Promises are sometimes broken and it would be very difficult for John Elway and the rest of the Broncos’ front office to verbally commit to not franchising Miller next year, especially if he has another great season. At that point, Miller might be asking for even more than what he originally asked for.
Shapiro had a different theory to why the Broncos might be hesitant to give Miller the contract he deserves.
“Do you think it’s possible the Broncos are still worried about Miller off the field?” asked Shapiro. “You think this whole celebrity world tour, gives the Broncos flashbacks to the immature Von Miller who got into trouble the first few years of his career?”
“That’s the dice they have to roll,” replied Goodman.
In August 2013, Miller was arrested on a failure-to-appear warrant for driving-related charges in October 2012. He was arrested at a Colorado gun store after a background check revealed he had an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to appear at court. He was also suspended six games for violating the NFL’s drug policy.
If Miller can stay out of trouble, not hang around Johnny Manziel too much, and not injure himself doing something stupid while he isn’t playing, sitting out the 2016-17 season might just be worth it for the Super Bowl MVP.
With Fletcher Cox’s new deal guaranteeing him $63 million– the most for any defensive player in NFL history — Miller, widely considered the best defensive player in the league, can expect a huge contract with a lot of guaranteed money, whether it’s from the Broncos or another team smart enough to sign him.
The Broncos and Miller have until July 15th to come to terms on a deal.
Check out the rest of the podcast below…
Catch Afternoon Drive every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or FM 104.7, or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.