Von Miller received the exclusive franchise designation from the Denver Broncos on Tuesday hours before the deadline to use the prohibitive tag.
The outside linebacker was Super Bowl 50 MVP and would cost $14.13 against the salary cap barring a long-term deal by the July 15 deadline to reach a new contract with the Broncos.
The exclusive franchise tag was last used in 2007 and prohibits other teams from engaging Miller in contract talks. Nonexclusive tags open the player to changing teams only if the suitor is willing to part with two first-round picks and fork over a huge contract.
Vice president of operations and general manager John Elway said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that he “feels good” about where the Broncos stand with Miller. He also said “absolutely” when asked if egotiations with Miller are ongoing. In the same position last summer, the Broncos worked out of a long-term deal with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Miller had 11 sacks during the 2015 regular season and five more during the playoffs. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl 50 with six tackles, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and two forced fumbles that led to points.
Miller and bookend linebacker DeMarcus Ware led a dynamic Denver defense that clamped down on Carolina’s No. 1-ranked offense in Super Bowl 50. The Panthers were dominated, scoring 10 points after averaging more than 31 in going 17-1 to win the NFC.
Ware, an eight-time All-Pro, signed with the Broncos two years ago and helped form a fearsome outside pass rush with Miller, who said it means everything to have a “percentage of the credit” for getting Ware a Super Bowl ring.
“DeMarcus is everything — All-American person, All-Pro player,” Miller said. “He’s a leader, he’s a big brother to me, coach, mentor. It’s something I hold very close to my heart. I remember when I first got into the game, I wanted to pattern my game, mimic what I did after him.”
Ware could return next season but Elway did not say it was certain.
The Broncos enter March with several moving parts, not the least of which are quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. Manning, 39, is weighing retirement. Osweiler is anxiously waiting for that call while pondering free agency.