Von Miller and the Denver Broncos have until July 15 to agree on a long-term contract. Time is running out, making the next few weeks a critical time period.
Recently, the Broncos offered Miller a 6-year $114 million deal, and he rejected the offer. He wants more guaranteed money than he was offered ($39.5 million), because he believes he is worth more than all of the NFL’s other pass rushers. To look at the value Miller provides to his team on and off the field, is to acknowledge that he deserves every penny he asks for.
Von Miller’s Contract Looms Large
On Field
Miller, a 6’3” outside linebacker, is shorter than most offensive linemen. He uses that leverage to his advantage when rushing the passer. The six-year veteran has tallied 60 sacks in his career, including the 2013 season in which he only played nine games. Miller has a knack for finding the football, forcing 16 fumbles in his career. In the AFC Championship game, he proved that his exceptional coverage skills are not to be ignored either. These talents combined with Miller’s run-stopping ability make him one of the best defensive players in the league. Every single advantage he possesses was on full display as he won Super Bowl MVP in February after notching 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Off Field
In every successful NFL team’s locker room lies a core leader. For the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, Von Miller is that leader.
Two years ago, Miller violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was suspended for the first six games of the season. Miller was a runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year the season before, so his talent was unquestionable. Yet, Miller was devoid of the intangibles that take good teams to new heights. This mistake was a turning point in his career.
Last August, Miller used his experience with suspensions and their repercussions to help out another star pass rusher; Aldon Smith.
“When I went through my problems, I experienced all that stuff. Whatever I can do to help, I will do. [NFL]” Since then, Smith has stayed out of the negative spotlight and will likely return from his suspension in November.
Nowadays, Miller hosts a ‘man cave’ called Club 58 in his own basement. It serves as a second locker room, where teammates like Demarcus Ware and Demaryius Thomas go to blow off steam. The players revere Club 58 as a catalyst in the chemistry of the Broncos’ success last season.
If the Broncos do not come to an agreement with Von Miller by July 15, they will lose a leader on the field, in the locker room and last but not least, in the club.
Main Photo:
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
