BLOGS

Time to Pony Up for Von: Ryan Edwards

Apr 19, 2016, 12:27 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2016, 8:26 am

Time to Pony Up For Von

Ryan Edwards

“This situation has gotten so ugly, that you can anticipate that Miller will consider whether he has to ultimately hold out into November of this season to avoid playing an entire year under the 1-year franchise tag. In fact, he may even consider doing it for two straight years and hit free agency after the 2017 season when he would hit the open market free and clear.”

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This quote from Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole is likely posturing by Von’s side of things, but for a moment, let’s pretend it’s not. Let’s pretend, that Von would seriously consider sitting out until November and what that could mean for this team. It’s not just about missing his abilities on the field (which would be significant) but also the distraction and fracturing it could do to the locker room. What’s the value of avoiding that to the Broncos?

The process, up until now, seemed very simple for negotiations between the Broncos and their star, Super Bowl MVP, linebacker. The expectation was the Broncos would franchise tag him at $14.1 million in order to buy some time in the contract negotiations and they accomplished that in early March. Then, the expectation by most Denver fans was the team would make him the highest paid linebacker in NFL history, bordering on highest paid defensive player ever. Current reports have the Broncos offering Von roughly $18 million per season which is above Chiefs OLB Justin Houston’s average annual salary of $16.8 million but below Ndamukong Suh’s $19.1 million salary. According to other reports, Von is asking for closer to $22 million per season making the two sides about $20 million apart in negotiations over the course of a 5-year contract.

Often times, when players and teams can’t come to an agreement on a contract, the fan base will blame the player for being too greedy and having an inflated view of his value. In this case, some of the fan base may be siding with Von. It’s possible this is more of an emotional reaction from the fans after watching players like Malik Jackson, Brock Osweiler and Danny Trevathan leave during free agency. After all, the team has taken an approach with these players where contract offers, in every case, were less than market value and in some cases significantly less than what other teams ultimately paid them.

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

A report from Yahoo.com yesterday detailed an agent’s perspective on John Elway’s and Director of Football Administration Mike Sullivan’s arrogance in their approach to contract negotiations. In the report, the supposition was that DE Derek Wolfe’s below market value contract he signed in January “created an environment where Denver was seeking discounts from all of their free agents.” These reports of arrogance could be considered sour grapes from agents that are frustrated by the Broncos unwillingness to give their clients more money.

For what it’s worth, the Broncos aren’t currently embattled in negotiations with a player on the “open market”. Von has the exclusive rights franchise tag on him meaning there isn’t an option for other teams to match. The Broncos don’t have to care (at least for now) what Von would get on the open market, thus the offer of $18 million is in line with where they view him. On the open market, it’s possible Von could command upwards of $25 million per season with several cap rich teams but thankfully, the Broncos won’t have to go near that number.

So, where do we stand? The fact that this is starting to be played out in public means both sides are digging in and negotiations are certain to last at least until the July 15th deadline. Fans should hope that the focus is to have Von on the field and recognize how important of a role he plays in arguably the best defense in the NFL. Both sides could come to a mean of around $20 million, making Von the highest paid defensive player in NFL history while still not hitting the current mark Miller has reportedly set at $22 million. All seem hopeful that Von and the Broncos can settle their contractual differences without fracturing their relationship in the process. Keeping that relationship intact is paramount because, after all, he is expected to be the center piece on defense for possibly the next decade here in Denver.

Ryan Edwards

@ryanedwards1043

TOP PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Blogs

Kris Bryant...

Jake Shapiro

Rockies get destroyed in embarrassing fashion on Opening Day

Baseball is a long season but this year in Denver it's going to be extra long as evidenced by the Colorado Rockies stinker on Opening Day

10 hours ago

DU hockey...

Will Petersen

DU hockey moving on in NCAA Tournament after dramatic 2OT win

DU hockey forward Tristan Broz played hero, finding the back of the net on a slick wrist-shot with 7:33 to go in the second overtime session

15 hours ago

Drake Maye Broncos QB...

Andrew Mason

Broncos have George Paton, QB coach at Drake Maye Pro Day

QB prospect Drake Maye had his Pro Day workout on March 28, and Broncos GM George Paton was among those on hand.

18 hours ago

Bud Black...

Will Petersen

Bud Black says Rockies players aware no one gives them a chance

"They don't say much publicly, but internally the guys are not liking what they're hearing," Bud Black said on 104.3 The Fan on Thursday

20 hours ago

Elehuris Montero high fives Colorado Rockies teammate Brendan Rodgers...

Jake Shapiro and Andrew Mason

Rockies reveal Opening Day roster for 2024 season

The Colorado Rockies are ready for 2024 Opening Day, revealing their roster ahead of Thursday's season opener in Phoenix.

21 hours ago

Joe Sakic Stanley Cup documentary...

Will Petersen

The trailer for the new Joe Sakic documentary looks fascinating

The documentary "Saving Sakic" is about how the Avs found the cash to keep Joe after the Rangers signed him to a huge offer sheet

21 hours ago

Time to Pony Up for Von: Ryan Edwards