The Broncos offered Von Miller a six-year, $114.5M deal that he declined. It included $39.8 million in guaranteed money within the first two years. That sounds like a lot -- because it is -- but Miller’s holding out to be the highest paid defensive player in the league. The overall money tops the $114.375 million deal Ndamukong Suh signed with the Dolphins last year, Suh’s deal included $60 million in guarantees. Justin Houston got $52 million in guaranteed money this year from the Chiefs. Miller’s got a damn good case to make at least what those two are making. Just try imagining the Broncos winning the Super Bowl without him.
Von Miller could sit out the 2016 season if he doesn’t get a deal he likes
Miller reportedly turned down an offer worth more than $114 million over six years because the guaranteed money was a long way from what other top defensive players have received. And he’s prepared to skip the season.
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Talks between Miller and the Broncos have paused in the meantime. They have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal, so the urgency just isn't there yet. If they don't get a deal done, Miller would play out the season on the franchise tag.
Don’t rule out Miller skipping the the 2016 season. There’s a quirk in his status that would prevent the Broncos from using the exclusive tag on him next year. They could still tag him, but another team could pry him away with a first- and third-round pick, if the Broncos use the highest value non-exclusive tag, which would probably be worth it.
LUCK DEAL WILL GET DONE
The Colts and Andrew Luck are aiming to have a deal done in July. Owner Jim Irsay says it’s still in the works and hopeful it gets wrapped up before camp starts. He reportedly wanted a 10-year deal for Luck, but it’s more likely to be five or six years. Most expect Luck’s deal to average $25 million per season, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
BERNARD AND THE BENGALS
Giovani Bernard and Bengals agree to three-year contract extension. The deal is worth $15.5 million overall. Bernard will make $6 million this season, and then his annual value jumps to more than $9 million in the two years after that, making him one of the 10 highest-paid running backs in the league.
RAMS READY TO REWARD MEDIOCRE HEAD COACH
The Rams and head coach Jeff Fisher are working on a contract extension. This is the fifth and final year of Fisher’s deal with the Rams, a team that still hasn’t topped the .500 mark since he took over. In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to 2008 to find Fisher’s last winning season, one of just six winning seasons he’s had in his 21-year career as a head coach. He’s only 10 losses away from having more Ls on his career record than any head coach in NFL history. The Rams CANNOT afford to let talent like that get away.
THE FASTEST STEELER IS A LINEBACKER: Ryan Shazier outran Antonio Brown. The Steelers linebacker raced Brown and some other receivers at OTAs ... and he smoked them.
MANZIEL WANTS TO PLAY AGAIN: Johnny Manziel is getting ready to play football again. He wants to come back in 2016, but one source in his camp told ESPN that 2017 is more likely. Considering the reports of just how hard he was partying this spring, he’s going to have a lot of work to do to get into shape, not to mention convincing teams that he’s focused on his career again. There are also the little matter of the NFL personal conduct policy over his assault of his ex-girlfriend.
NO MORE HOODIES: NFL players reportedly won’t be allowed to wear hoodies this season. No Fun League.
RG3 IS LAUNCHING IT: RGIII is deliberately throwing the ball at people’s garages to prove he’s “coachable.” He has a good reason, too.
RUNNING THE BALL IS BACK: Three NFL teams out to revive the lost art of running the dang ball. The Cowboys, Browns and Titans will rely heavily on their running games, but they’re each doing it in their own way.
LEBRON TO THE BILLS: Rex Ryan thinks ‘big ol’ rascal’ LeBron James could play tight end for the Bills. If LeBron wants to step away from the NBA, Rex Ryan has a roster spot for him in Buffalo.
COMMITTEE IN PHILLY: Eagles will use running-back-by-committee approach. Ryan Mathews figures to get the bulk of the work, at least until he’s inevitably injured. I’m still betting on rookie Wendell Smallwood to emerge from the pack to be the lead guy.
A COACHING DREAM TEAM: Building the NFL’s best coaching staff. What if you could pick a dream team of coaches to run your team? It probably wouldn’t have Jeff Fisher on it!
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