Linebacker Von Miller said that he expects his contract discussions with the Broncos will be “a peaceful thing,” an outlook made easier by the fact that the team would likely use the franchise tag to secure Miller’s return for at least one more season if they can’t strike a deal by early March.
The tag probably won’t be an option with two other defensive starters headed for a free agency. Linebacker Danny Trevathan and defensive end Malik Jackson can both head elsewhere this offseason, but the Broncos say they want to keep both in Denver.
“They are all priorities,” Elway said, via the Denver Post. “Getting Derek Wolfe done was the first step, and we want to get Danny and Malik done. We want to try and keep the group together. But it’s a fluid process. We will talk to their representatives and see where we are at and get a feel for it.
With Miller and quarterback Brock Osweiler also up for deals, it could be tough to bring back both pieces of what Elway called a “historic” defense.
Jackson should be a popular target for other teams as comes off a strong season and Wolfe’s deal sets the framework for another contract that will be tough to fit into the puzzle. Trevathan won’t cost as much, but there would be other suitors on the open market for a player who’s been a starter on two AFC champs. That could price him out as well, all of which leaves plenty to watch in Denver beyond Miller and the quarterbacks this offseason.