Von Miller, linebacker: $18 million
Here’s the move Broncos fans are not going to want to talk about, but it’s an idea that must be discussed.
Though Von Miller is perhaps the greatest defensive player in team history and still has the talent to be one of the league’s best pass rushers, it’s hard to say that he’s worth that kind of cap number after missing an entire season and turning 32 years old in March.
The Broncos have a club option that would allow them to release Miller and save $18 million against the cap, though there would be a $4.1 million dead-money hit.
It’s hard to talk about moving on from the MVP of Super Bowl 50 and the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, but it might be in the best interest of the team.
The Broncos have Bradley Chubb who just had a Pro-Bowl season and an underrated (and much cheaper) option in Malik Reed. These guys may never have the impact that Miller did, but when players miss seasons and see their production go down (which Von has), then difficult decisions sometimes need to be made.
Hey, if Peyton Manning can get cut, it can happen to anyone.
Miller’s place in Denver history can never be touched, but the idea of him finishing his career in another jersey is a distinct possibility.