Denver Broncos linebacker and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller will get the franchise tag if the two sides don’t agree on a long-term deal before Tuesday’s deadline.
A source close to the situation told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Miller and the Broncos are not expected to reach a deal by the deadline.
With the franchise tag, Miller would earn a one-year guaranteed salary of the average for top players at his position. For a linebacker, that will be $14.129 million for 2016.
Miller, who turns 27 next month, said recently he was confident of a long-term deal with the Broncos because of his relationship with executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway.
Elway met with Miller’s agent, Joby Branion, on Friday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Elway said the Broncos have exchanged multiple proposals with Miller’s representatives since the Broncos’ win in Super Bowl 50.
“I’m excited about it,” Elway said Thursday at the NFL Combine. “So far it’s been good, we’re in the ballpark, at least I believe so … I think we’re in the ballpark … he’s a guy we’re going to keep around.”
In Denver’s 24-10 victory over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, Miller had 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, including one that resulted in the Broncos scoring a defensive touchdown after he ripped the ball free from Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
–It appears that Denver quarterback Peyton Manning will announce his retirement next week.
The Denver Post is citing two sources that say the 39-year-old Manning will acknowledge his decision to retire by the end of next week.
While Manning might have indicated to close friends and family that he will call it quits, he has not told the Broncos.
In response to the Denver Post report, Patrick Smyth, vice president of public relations for the Broncos, tweeted Saturday: “Peyton has not made a decision on his future. Plan remains for him to continue talks with the team this week.”
Manning turns 40 on March 24.
If Manning was to play next season, he would have to complete a physical by Friday, according to reports.
FOX Sports reported late Saturday that the Broncos are moving forward with contract talks with other players without counting Manning’s $19 million salary on their books.
Manning has to make his decision by March 9, when his $19 million salary for 2016 would become guaranteed.
General manager John Elway has told reporters he is not forcing Manning’s hand to make a decision.
“I met with Peyton a couple nights ago and we had a good talk,” Elway said. “As I said after the game, we’ll give him as much time as he needs. He still needs some more time so we’re going to afford him that time. He deserves it after 18 years in this league.”