Report: Broncos Likely to Pick Up Von Miller’s Fifth Year Option

Jan 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller attends the Madden Bowl XX Red Carpet event at the USS Intrepid Mandatory. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When the Broncos drafted Von Miller with the 2nd overall pick in 2011, they knew he had special talent. The tough part about the business side of the NFL is keeping that talent around, and with the new collective bargaining agreement, teams have very flexible contracts with draft picks.

For Miller, the Broncos have the option of keeping him on a fifth year team option, which according to the Denver Post, they are likely to exercise.

The Broncos have to exercise the option on Miller by May 3rd, and it’s really a no-brainer. Miller has proven he can be a superstar in this league, and despite his run-ins with the league drug policy, the Broncos have to take the risk that he’ll be able to make significant contributions going forward as the cornerstone piece of the franchise’s defense.

The fifth year option would give Miller a transition tag price of $9.754 million. With the salary cap increase it’s a reasonable price for the Broncos to pay, and a reasonable playing rate for Miller who obviously has to get back on the good graces of more than a few people.

Having that essential transition tag would allow the Broncos to focus on retaining Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas in 2015, and then focus on Miller in 2016.