Broncos Training Camp: Von Miller Set to Break the Bank
Demaryius Thomas’ new contract was called a ‘first step’ toward establishing the core group the Denver Broncos will take into the future, and Von Miller might just be the next step.
But perhaps it was a division rival who will provide the foundation for Miller’s future with the Broncos. When Kansas City made Justin Houston the richest linebacker in NFL history, they set the bar not only for 3-4 outside linebackers, but perhaps for defensive players in general. Since Miller and Houston play the same position, his $52.5 million guaranteed and $101 million in total money could be a great ‘starting point’ for negotiations, whenever the Broncos and Miller decide to sit down.
Justin Houston broke the bank for pass rushing linebackers, but Miller is about to open up the Bank of Von.
Coming off of his torn ACL, Miller had an excellent season in 2014 with 14 sacks and in his career, he’s only posted less than 11 sacks one time (2013, his troubled season with a six game suspension).
The biggest thing projecting forward for Miller is the fact that he’s moving from the 4-3 defense to a 3-4. When the Broncos originally drafted in 2011, they had him working in Dennis Allen’s 4-3 alignment. Although Denver has used plenty of hybrid concepts in their base defense over the years, they haven’t primarily run a base 3-4 defense. That will change this year with Wade Phillips calling the shots.
The ability of Miller to play a variety of spots within a defense is only the tip of the iceberg to the variance in his game. Despite coming out of Texas A&M with the label ‘too small’ Miller has been one of the best run defending linebackers in the NFL. He has been one of Pro Football Focus’ best 4-3 linebackers every year he’s been in the league so far, including his suspension/injury-shortened 2013 campaign.
There’s no doubt that Miller has been a star with the Broncos, able to bend around the edge with ease. The question will soon become how highly paid are they willing to make him?
Miller doesn’t seem to have reached his ceiling as a player yet, which is scary for opposing offensive linemen. Since DeMarcus Ware came aboard, Miller has learned physical discipline, something he said he didn’t have before. He’s learned what to eat, what not to eat, and exactly what to put in his body at all times.
This is a man who is now more than dedicated to his craft. There’s a $100 million contract now on the line, probably more, and he has a division foe to thank for what could be a truckload of guaranteed money coming his way.