There is growing optimism for the Denver Broncos in getting a blockbuster deal done with Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Broncos are “poised to push for a mega long-term extension” with Miller, possibly without the need to use the franchise tag before next Tuesday’s deadline. Getting a deal done with Miller would free up the Broncos to use the franchise tag on a number of other impending free agents, including defensive lineman Malik Jackson or quarterback Brock Osweiler.
The two sides are reportedly talking this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
A four-time Pro Bowler coming off one of the most dominant finishes to a season in recent history, Miller is expected to command over $100 million on his next contract. He’ll likely become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, passing the likes of J.J. Watt, Ndamukong Suh and Justin Houston.
If the mega deal can’t be completed before next Tuesday, the Broncos will almost certainly use the tag to keep the top free agent of the 2016 class off the open market. From there, general manager John Elway would have until July to engineer the finishes touches on Miller’s deal.
Miller, 26, finished off the Broncos’ run to the Lombardi Trophy with 2.5 sacks in both the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl 50. He was named Super Bowl MVP after forcing two game-changing fumbles from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft has 60.0 sacks over his first five seasons, including four years with over 10.0 and a career-high 18.5 in 2012.