Jesse Reed
Amidst reports that Von Miller wants to be the highest-paid defender in the history of the NFL comes another report that contradicts that notion. Albert Breer of NFL Network indicated Wednesday morning that Miller would take a discount to sign a long-term deal with the Denver Broncos.
Re: Von Miller/Bronco talks … Sides acknowledge he'll take a discount. Big question: From what? Suh's figures? Or his actual market value?
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 2, 2016
The secondary aspect of Breer’s statement is important.
Ndamukong Suh signed a record-breaking deal last summer to move to South Beach and play for the Miami Dolphins. The contract, which is now targeted for a restructure, was a massive six-year deal worth $114.4 million with almost $60 million guaranteed.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Tuesday that Miller is seeking between $65-70 million guaranteed, which would be the richest contract for a defender in league history.
However, it was widely understood that Miami vastly overpaid for Suh to come down south. Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports the Dolphins will likely restructure this deal for the 2016 season and don’t need his permission to do so. With that in mind, it seems unlikely that John Elway would be willing to make any deal with Miller that would challenge Suh’s monstrosity.
That said, Breer continued along his train of thought on any discount Miller would be willing to take by mentioning he would likely get more per year on the open market that the $19 million Suh got last year.
Another interesting twist in the negotiations between Miller and the Broncos is the simple fact that the pass-rusher’s only real leverage at this point is to threaten a hold out if he doesn’t land a contract of his liking before the July 15 deadline. Denver could, without batting an eye, simply let Miller play out the 2016 season under the franchise tag, which is set at $14.129 million.
With many other key free agents the team is trying to sign, the upcoming negotiations between the Broncos and their star linebacker will be extremely interesting.
Last year, the franchise waited until the 11th hour with receiver Demaryious Thomas, signing him right before the deadline. Hometown discount on the table or not, nobody should be surprised if the same thing happens this year with Miller.
