Von Miller isn’t bluffing, according to one Denver Broncos teammate.
Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said Tuesday on NFL Network’s “Total Access” that he expects Miller to sign a new contract with Denver by Thursday night or Friday morning “at the latest.” But while that’s music to Broncos fans’ ears, Harris also suggested that Miller’s threat to sit out the entire 2016 season should be taken seriously.
“I believe him,” Harris said, per NFL.com. “You’ve got to take his word for it. It would be hard for me to sit out, missing out on $14 million, but I think Von is serious in what he’s saying. I think he truly, this whole time just talking to him, he hates the franchise tag. I definitely think he won’t sign it.”
The Broncos placed their exclusive franchise tag tender on Miller, but the Super Bowl 50 MVP has been emphatic in stating he won’t play this season under the $14.1 million tag. If Miller doesn’t sign the tag or agree to a new contract by Friday’s deadline, he’ll be considered a holdout and thus subject to fines.
Miller and the Broncos have been working toward a contract extension this offseason, even to the point where both sides reportedly are comfortable with a six-year, $114.5 million framework. The total amount of guaranteed money continues to be a sticking point in negotiations, though, and the Broncos are faced with the possibility of losing one of the NFL’s most dynamic players.
“I think everybody in the Broncos organization knows how crucial he is to our defense and the type of player that he is, even the person that he’s become,” Harris said. “He had some obstacles he had to overcome early in his career, but I think he’s overcame those and I think he’s ready to lead now.”
Miller might be ready to lead. But first, he needs to sign on the dotted line.
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images
