Von Miller returning to the Denver Broncos? The pros and cons of his return
Pros to keeping Von Miller
Miller is an icon
Von Miller isn’t just a good player. Not only is Miller arguably the best defensive player in franchise history, but could very well be a Hall of Fame level player. Miller’s play in the 2015 playoff run cemented himself as a legacy player, a future Hall of Famer.
Miller’s play throughout the 2015 campaign propelled the Broncos into the history books, winning the team’s third Super Bowl. Though it may feel a long time ago to fans, Miller’s play that season still remains on the minds of most people.
Miller remains a superstar in the league, and losing him would ultimately reduce the team’s visibility and could lead to a nasty breakup with one of the team’s most beloved players.
Watching what occurred with DeMarcus Ware leave Dallas to win here in Denver, Miller witnessed firsthand the impact of an icon moving on to another team.
Having Miller a step or two closer to retiring with the franchise can go a long way in helping the team’s image long term.
Moving on would create a massive void in the defense
Miller’s ability to get to the quarterback is has been as consistent as any player in the league since he entered back in 2011. Averaging over 11 sacks spanning over 135 games, Miller remains one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.
For many that doubt his production, he has been excellent over the last three seasons he’s played. Miller has 32.5 sacks over the last three seasons played, and a whopping 72 pressures in the last two.
Miller’s absence would create a serious need at yet another position heading into the 2021 offseason.
Malik Reed played well in 2021, replacing Miller on the edge. Reed’s success could make many of us believe the undrafted player out of Nevada could be the answer.
In 2019 Miller finished with eight sacks, and in 2020 Reed had the same year-end total.
But don’t let those numbers fool you. Miller occupies the attention of the offense, including the coaches, as they attempt to minimize his impact. Reed just isn’t that kind of player and may not be.
Miller’s talent is generational and his absence is not one they can easily fill. They would likely use the same amount of money saved to get a lesser talent.
Having Miller opposite Bradley Chubb with Reed subbing in creates a team strength heading into free agency and the NFL draft. Miller leaving simply creates a priority that does not need to be.
The team has several positions of need, and creating one more might not be a sound decision.
An extension should be relatively affordable
Utilizing J.J. Watt’s current deal with the Arizona Cardinals, Miller and the Broncos have a nice structure for a deal if they’d like to move forward on it.
Per Spotrac, Watt signed a two-year deal with the following terms;
CONTRACT TERMS:2 yr(s) / $28,000,000
SIGNING BONUS$12,000,000
AVERAGE SALARY$14,000,000
GTD AT SIGN:$20,000,000
TOTAL GTD:$23,000,000
Both are aging pass-rushers drafted in the 2011 class. Both have their history of injuries and spans of greatness.
A deal similar would provide the Broncos with some flexibility moving forward while also ensuring Miller stays with the team. Additionally, both sides agreeing to a deal in this ballpark would lower his cap number significantly, both increasing the dollars that can be spent elsewhere but also provide Miller with a chance to play out his career with some security.
With the salary cap hovering between $185 million or so, the Broncos can live with paying Miller around $15 million per season for two or three more years.
The Watt deal makes an extension more palatable for both sides as the numbers are reasonable for the Broncos and Miller isn’t seen as weak for taking a number much less than what he currently will play under.