Earlier in the week, rumors surfaced suggesting that Denver Broncos edge defender Von Miller could be on his way out of town. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport doesn’t believe that to be a likely possibility. While he admitted it still could happen, the NFL insider said that he “doubts” Denver will move on from the one-time Super Bowl MVP. In other news, the Cleveland Browns are reportedly expected to pursue Lavonte David and Matt Milano, the two best linebackers on the open market.
NFL Rumors: Von Miller Back With Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns Pursuing Star Linebackers
Von Miller missed the entirety of the 2020 NFL season and carries a $22.5 million cap hit. The Broncos could save $17.5 million by parting ways with the franchise icon, so it stands to reason that Denver might look to the future. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that he believes Miller will be back in Denver for the 2021 season.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport said that he “doubts” Miller and the Broncos part ways, although something will have to be done about his massive cap hit. The Broncos will not keep Miller at his current $22.5 million cap hit, but he seems to believe that both sides are interested in restructuring the deal so that both sides can get what they want. One way to do this is by offering an extension to spread his cap hit over multiple years.
Miller didn’t play in 2020 and had arguably the worst season of his career in 2019. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the former Super Bowl champion finished the 2019 season with eight sacks, 46 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 20 quarterback hits, and no forced fumbles. Now entering his age-32 season, it will be interesting to see how much the former first-round pick has left in his tank.
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Cleveland Browns Linked to Matt Milano, Lavonte David
The Cleveland Browns are coming off their most successful season in recent memory. After spending the past 20 years as the NFL’s punchline, the loveable losers finally made it to the playoffs and even took down the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round. Baker Mayfield looks like the answer at quarterback, and Kevin Stefanski has the makings of a great NFL head coach.
However, Cleveland is still looking to get better and will reportedly be all-in on the best linebackers on the market. According to Cleveland.com, the Browns will try to add either Lavonte David or Matt Milano, as these two are generally considered to be the best linebackers set to hit the open market. That won’t be the end of it, as the report also states that Cleveland will try to retain B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith while possibly adding a linebacker or two in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Of course, the Browns won’t be the only teams interested in the two superstar linebackers. Tampa Bay and Buffalo would love to retain David and Milano, respectively, and both players should have plenty of suitors around the league. We already broke down Lavonte David’s free agent fits, and Milano is reportedly being targeted by the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
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