After four months of negotiations, the Denver Broncos and Von Miller have finally agreed on a long-term extension. The new deal will give Miller $70 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
This deal had to get done for the Broncos. Miller’s services are mandatory if Denver has any hopes of defending their title. This also sets the precedent for the Broncos protecting their own, which will payoff for Denver when they meet with future free agents.
Miller is just entering his prime as a football player, and his popularity is growing by the day. If healthy, Miller should be a monster for Denver for at least the next half-decade. Von is a freak, a once-in-a-generation pass rusher, which happens to be the second most coveted skill in the league, behind quarterback.
If Denver had not locked up Miller long term, it would have had consequences. Miller would have sat out the upcoming season, and rightfully so. Denver would have had to deal with negative attention regarding their negotiating tactics. It would be hard to imagine the Broncos having any success pursuing top free agents after somehow letting the current Super Bowl MVP go unsigned.
Not to mention, this whole situation could have a long-term impact on union negotiations going forward. Clearly, franchise tags are great for fans and not for players. In a game like football, Von Miller would simply be risking too much to play under a one-year, $14.5 million deal . An NFL career, no matter how stellar it is, can come to an end on any given play.
The Broncos got it right locking up Miller long-term. If his production continues on this pace, $70 million guaranteed will look like a bargain two-years from now.
Cheers to the future. It is once again bright in Denver.