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INDIANAPOLIS —** It's unnecessary to say that retaining the Super Bowl MVP is quite high on the Broncos' offseason to-do list. At the very least, the Broncos could give their franchise-tag designation to outside linebacker Von Miller, which would allow him and the team to table negotiations for another year, if necessary.
But the hope is that the two sides will come together to agree on a new long-term deal before discussions even get to franchise-tag deadline of March 1. Speaking with local media on Thursday from the Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway was upbeat about how talks have gone so far.
"I'm excited about it. It has been positive," Elway said. "We'll talk to [Miller's agent] Joby [Branion] tomorrow and see where it is. But so far it's been good. I think we're in the ballpark."
Miller capped a dominant postseason run with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in Super Bowl 50, leaving no doubt about his impact on the field.
"Obviously with the career that he's had already and the way that he played this year, we're very hopeful that we'll be able to get something done," Elway said, before adding that they'd rather it not reach the point that they'd need to use the franchise tag.
On the opening day of the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Head Coach Gary Kubiak had a busy day with the media. (photos by Ben Swanson unless otherwise noted)
"We're always hopeful that if we can get together that, we'd like to [come to a long-term agreement]," he said.
After holding up the Lombardi Trophy amid falling confetti, Miller has been seeing the world and basking in the experiences he's been able to enjoy, from appearing on Saturday Night Live to presenting a performance at the Grammys.
"He's been everywhere, which is good for him. He deserves it," Elway said. "I think he's done a real nice job with how he's handled everything and I just think that he's a guy we're going to keep around, so we'll get something figured out."
