Von Miller and Other NFL Contract Updates

The month of July is at hand, which means the next big NFL deadline is approaching as franchise tagged players have a chance to still ink long-term deals.

Why is this such an important thing? To the casual eye it’s nothing to worry about since those players are under contract for 2016 anyway. However, those who are not able to reach an agreement could set the stage for a big showdown prior to 2017 free agency next March. Everybody loves drama and few things create more in an off-season than big name hitting the open market, thus setting off a potential bidding war.

Could any of the big names be headed that way? Here are the latest updates regarding some of them from where their negotiations stand. Can a deal be expected or is the process at a standstill?

Von Miller

Suffice to say the word out of Denver is that star linebacker Von Miller refuses to budge on his demands regarding a long-term deal. At one point it looked like the sides had an agreement in place but talks broke down due to differing requirements on guaranteed money. Talks have either gone at a crawl or stayed frozen since then. There are no indications things are about to change, which would signal Miller is ready to sit out rather than play under the franchise tag.

Kirk Cousins

There is no doubt that Kirk Cousins is ready to gamble on himself again in 2016 to get a contract he wants. His standout 2015 season has given him the confidence to believe he’s worth close to top quarterback money, but the Washington Redskins are hesitant to do so. His success was based on not making mistakes, managing the game and playing within the system. There is a feeling he can’t do what elite quarterbacks can, which is take the scheme beyond the design. Initial beliefs are the Redskins will try to reach a number both sides like, but there chances are long.

Alshon Jeffery

The Chicago Bears have remained adamant that they would like to lock up wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Rumors persist that they are hesitant to do so because of his shaky injury problems last year, but all signs point to progress being made. Jeffery has stated the goal remains to get a deal done sooner than later and there is a strong sense he’s not seeking outrageous money, but something he deems “respectable.” Bears GM Ryan Pace is notorious for taking his time on negotiations, so it’s likely he won’t rush this. Chances are good a deal gets done, but there’s no guarantee.

Eric Berry

Star safety Eric Berry has never offered any signs that he desired to leave the Kansas City Chiefs, so that at least is some good news for the fans. At the same time, the lack of progress on a new deal shrouds the situation in a dense fog that isn’t easy to penetrate. Berry established himself as one of the best safeties in football last season and is the lynch pin to their defensive secondary. There is little debate he should be paid like it. Problem is the Chiefs are pressed up against the salary cap. It will take some nifty maneuvering to work something out.