Von Miller won’t sign franchise tag: ‘It’s a league-wide problem’
Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller will not play this season under the franchise tag the Broncos placed on him because he believes the system represents a widespread fairness issue in the league.
“No, I’m not going to play on the franchise tag,” Miller told ESPN on Monday. “It just doesn’t make sense in any way.”
Miller has until Friday to either reach a new contract agreement with the Broncos or sign the $14.1 million franchise tag. If he does not, he would be considered a holdout and subject to fines. He has already skipped workouts to this point in the off-season.
The Broncos reportedly made a new offer to Miller last week as the two sides work through negotiations over guaranteed money in the deal. Both parties are reportedly comfortable with a six-year, $114.5 million contract, but Miller wants more than $60 million guaranteed. The Broncos’ first offer guaranteed him $38.5 million.
• The NFL’s best edge rushers, No. 2: Von Miller
Miller said on ESPN that the dispute isn’t over the dollar amount of the contract, but rather an opportunity for him to address what he feels is an unfair system. He believes the franchise tag is unfair to players because it prevents them from exploring their value on the open market.
“I’ve never really played for money,” Miller said. “It’s bigger than that for me. It’s a league-wide problem that I feel like I’m in a situation to help out with.”
Miller, 27, made 35 tackles and 11 sacks in his fifth NFL season, helping lead the Broncos to a championship and earning the Super Bowl 50 MVP award.
