Von Miller is digging in his heels and it looks like the Denver Broncos are in for a fight on the contract grounds.
As if John Elway and the Broncos brass didn’t have enough problems to worry about between the exodus of several key free agents like Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan to the ongoing problem of not finding a definitive solution at quarterback, the team appears to be sinking further into a quagmire regarding their best player, star linebacker Von Miller.
While it’s no surprise he was given the franchise tag after another All-Pro season and winning Super Bowl MVP, it would seem the Broncos weren’t prepared for his extensive financial demands regarding a new contract.
Elway has already become known for his somewhat frugal approaching to contract, refusing to overpay anybody. One can understand the idea. He doesn’t want to put his team in difficult salary cap situations that could haunt them down the road. At the same time, there are certain players who aren’t going to settle for that. Elite players that know they’re the best in the business and deserve to be paid like it.
Denver doesn’t exactly have a ton of leverage outside of the tag ensuring Miller can’t go anywhere. He’s got his ring so it’s no longer about winning. He, like many players who have won a title, is starting to think about securing the future for himself and his family. Ndamukong Suh doesn’t have a ring. He doesn’t have as many wins or sacks either. So one can understand why Miller believes he deserves to get paid more money.
Thus the reason for the standoff and the chances are this idea of a holdout is very real. He’s a smart man who has likely handled his situation well. He can afford to be patient and let the Denver Broncos figure out how much he means to them. Either they’ll realize they can’t win without him and loosen up on their price or they’ll realize they can survive without him and let him walk in 2017. Either way it’s a win-win for him.
This has the feel of a situation that is going to get worse before it gets better unless Elway can smooth things over fast.