Whatever you do, don’t ask Von Miller about his 2021 contract with the Broncos. Or, if he does, it is better not to imply that he may or should be open to restructuring or accepting a cut in payment.
A successful interview will not end well, based on Miller’s enigmatic radio appearance in the middle of the 2020 season. However, the future of the eight-time Pro Bowler is much more of a front issue for Broncos fans and also for the media.
After losing the entire 2020 season to an ankle injury, the Super Bowl 50 MVP is entering the final year of his contract. Set to earn $ 17.5 million in base salary, Miller’s maximum salary is $ 22.225 million.
After raising $ 23.5 million last season while recovering from surgery, paying him something similar, if there is any real doubt that he could be out for the next season, it could potentially be an untenable situation for the Broncos. Complicating things is your age.
Miller will turn 32 in March. Miller’s idol and eventual mentor DeMarcus Ware played until he was 34, but his body eventually gave way and he had to hang up his boots after the 2016 season.
This does not mean that Miller will follow suit, but this is often how it works even for the brightest NFL stars on the wrong side of 30. Vic Fangio, who is expected to return to his third year as a Broncos coach, may not have much to say about what unfolds with Miller in 2021, but interpreting the content and tone of his remarks about Miller, it does not appear that he is necessarily preparing his team to present the star pass rusher.
On Friday, Fangio was asked if he expected Miller to return in 2021.
“I’m sure it will be questioned and I like Von,” said Fangio. “I think one of the most disappointing things about this season was when he crashed, because I really thought he would have a very good season for us and for him. He put a lot of time and effort into the off season. He had great vision and focus, and I think if he does the same thing in this off-season he did in the off-season, he can go back to the same point. “
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Fangio chose not to answer the question and, instead, spoke in a general sense that he expects Miller to play in 2021. It is a pertinent question, but perhaps more suitable for GM John Elway.
We’ll have a chance to hear Elway on Monday for his annual end-of-season presser. Fangio’s stance is one of indifference. Elway could follow suit, but I doubt it.
If the Broncos need relief this year, in a perfect world, Elway addresses Miller about a short-term extension that would reduce his success by the 2021 limit without necessarily cutting his salary. With the NFL’s salary cap set to fall, but no more than $ 175 million, teams could be under financial pressure after an entire season with no fan participation revenue.
An extension for Miller could decrease his hit cap in 2021 and postpone the hits to the future, distributing them evenly. Such a move would recognize Miller’s unique position with the Broncos as an all-time player and perhaps even allow him to eventually retire from Orange and Blue, depending on the term of such an agreement.
Fans should prepare for a possible friction between Miller and Elway this off-season. Then again, the Broncos could just bite the bullet for $ 17.5 million and just let Miller play the final year of the contract that made him the highest-paid defender in NFL history at the time. We will know soon.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.