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Broncos free agency: Predictions, thoughts, and more

By Sayre Bedinger

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson celebrates after recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson celebrates after recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Von Miller
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Von Miller gets franchise tagged (duh)

This is a no-brainer. In fact, the Broncos probably aren’t even talking to Von Miller’s representation right now because they know that this is what they are going to do, and they need to focus on other high priority players on the roster.

Keeping Von Miller is a no-brainer. Anytime I would see articles on the internet throughout the course of this last year that someone’s team was going to be the one to sign Von Miller in 2016, I would just laugh. There’s no way he’s getting out of Denver.

The Broncos will snag Miller at around $14 million for the 2016 season — fully guaranteed and counting against the cap — which is the price attached to a linebacker who receives the franchise tag. Miller showed up in this year’s playoffs in the biggest way possible. Against Tom Brady and Cam Newton, he brought out the best version of Von Miller I have ever seen.

His play to sack and strip Cam Newton in the first quarter of Super Bowl 50 is the play that the Super Bowl victory will be remembered for, one of the greatest individual defensive performances in the history of the NFL playoffs.

Miller is the best pass rusher in the NFL. I don’t mean that as a slight to J.J. Watt or Justin Houston or anyone else, either. Miller is just flat out incredible.

What happens after he gets franchise tagged?

Well, Miller might not show up for offseason activities like we saw from Demaryius Thomas last year. He also might not sign his franchise tender until the last minute. All of this is leading to a point where the Broncos are going to make Von Miller the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

That price tag could come in at a contract worth in excess of $110 million. Justin Houston of the Kansas City Chiefs received $52.5 million in guaranteed money, and Miller’s contract will exceed that.

Don’t be surprised to see an extension of something like six years, $110 million with $60 million guaranteed.

Miller is worth every cent.

Next: Malik Jackson

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