Denver Broncos apply franchise tag to star linebacker Von Miller
Tuesday 1 March 2016 18:57, UK
The Denver Broncos have placed their exclusive franchise tag on Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller.
That guarantees the star pass rusher a salary of $14.129m for 2016.
General manager John Elway had hoped to get a deal done with Miller's agent by Tuesday so he wouldn't have to use the franchise tag but the sides have so far been unable to agree a long-term deal.
"Designating Von as our franchise player gives us the time to continue working toward a long-term agreement," Elway said in a statement.
"We've had productive talks with Von's representation, and we'll continue those discussions with the goal of making sure Von remains a Bronco well into the future."
The move means no other team can negotiate with Miller, who led Denver's destructive defense to a 24-10 victory over Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl last month.
The Broncos have until July 15 to work out a contract extension with Miller otherwise he will play out the season under the franchise tag and become eligible for free agency again after the 2016 season.
Miller probably views the six-year, $101m contract ($52.5m guaranteed) the Kansas City Chiefs gave Justin Houston last summer as his floor and may have his eyes on something closer to the six-year, $114m ($60m guaranteed) contract Ndamukong Suh signed with the Miami Dolphins.
The 26-year-old had 11 sacks, 35 tackles and four forced fumbles en route to his fourth Pro Bowl selection in 2015. He has 60 career regular-season sacks through his first five seasons in the NFL.
