Broncos Sign Von Miller to Six-Year, $114.5 Million Deal

(photo credit: upi.com)

The Denver Broncos and outside linebacker Von Miller agreed to a six-year contract worth $114.5 million, just before the deadline for long-term deals for franchise-tagged players. The Super Bowl 50 MVP will be getting roughly $70 million in guaranteed money, which makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Talks between Miller and the Broncos have been going on ever since Denver placed the franchise tag on the number two overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

Miller threatened to not play in the regular season if he didn’t get a long-term contract. Negotiations between the two sides stalled significantly in June when Miller was offered just $40 million in guaranteed money. Miller would’ve made $14.129 million if he didn’t get a long-term deal, as he would be playing under the franchise tag. Miller is the second highest paid player in the NFL, only behind Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who struck a deal for $87 million in guaranteed money earlier in the summer. 

Miller joins New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon ($17 million per year), and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox ($63 million guaranteed), as defensive players to earn big pay days this offseason. Miller’s rise to the top of the totem pole is quite an achievement, considering the type of season he had in 2013. Miller was suspended six games for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, and he tore his ACL during the 2013 season. 

Three seasons later, Miller is a Super Bowl MVP, and the highest paid defensive player in the entire league. Miller has recorded 60 sacks during his five seasons with the Broncos. Miller recorded 35 tackles and four forced fumbles last season. 

He was a big part of the Broncos defense that carried the team to a Super Bowl victory. Miller recorded five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception during the Broncos Super Bowl run. Miller forced both fumbles in Super Bowl 50, and one of them resulted in the Broncos first touchdown of the game.