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According to Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller’s agent, Joby Branion, the reigning Super Bowl MVP wasn’t messing around when he threatened a holdout if no deal was struck with his team.
When NFL players are handed the franchise tag during contract negotiations, it commonly creates unattainable situations where long-term deals become less likely. Sometimes, players threaten to hold out — a stance that is usually more bark than bite.
Fortunately, Miller and the Broncos did not venture down this path. The two sides agreed to a six-year, $114.5 million deal just hours before the franchise tag deadline on July 15.
Miller’s demands were met and he managed to secure $70 million in guaranteed cash — the highest number for a defender in league history.
Interestingly enough, when negotiations between Miller and the Broncos were at a stalemate, John Elway reportedly told Branion that the team would not entertain the idea of trading Miller.
With the Broncos already reeling from losing two quarterbacks earlier this offseason, the last thing they needed was their star defender watching the team play from the sideline this year. Fortunately, that ended up not being the case.