The Denver Broncos, led by GM John Elway, aren't stupid, nor are they insane. They know the kind of uniquely talented player they have in Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, so there's about as much chance of Miller finding his way out of Denver via NFL free agency early next month as there is for Cam Newton to admit he kinda, sorta, maybe a little bit likes losing. And yet here we are - about two weeks from the start of the new league year and Miller remains unsigned. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport though, that may not be the case for much longer.
#Broncos are poised to push for a mega long-term extension for Von Miller, sources say. They've had talks & there's optimism it gets done
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2016
Per Rapoport, the Broncos and Miller are pushing toward a "mega, long-term extension." That doesn't necessarily mean a deal is imminent, but it's got to be good for Broncos fans to hear that there is, at the very lost, "optimism" that a deal gets done before March 9.
And it would be good news for the Broncos faithful beyond just ensuring Miller remains in the Mile High City. As Rapoport indicates, locking up Miller would allow the Broncos to utilize the franchise tag on one of their other impending free agents, like say defensive lineman Malik Jackson or quarterback Brock Osweiler.
It sounds like the preference where Osweiler is concerned is a long-term deal, but there's no guarantee Elway will be able to get Osweiler, a player with plenty of potential who managed some fairly good, if not great performances in 2015, to put pen to paper. Determining value for a guy like Osweiler is tricky at this point and a season under the franchise tag may be best, even if it eats up a big chunk of the Broncos cap space.
But first, Miller's deal must be dealt with. And from the sounds of things, Elway's hard at work trying to get it done.
