Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after being named the Super Bowl MVP after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos outside linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player on Friday after agreeing to a six-year, $114.5 million deal.
A record $70 million is guaranteed in the contract, which came hours before the NFL’s deadline for franchise players at 4 p.m. ET. The sides came to the final numbers of the pact last month with only the guaranteed money serving as the sticking point.
Miller’s guaranteed money is eclipsed by only that of Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, who will receive $75 million in guarantees in his $140 million contract extension.
Miller gets a $23 million signing bonus and $42 million guaranteed at signing, $61 million guaranteed after the second year and $70 million guaranteed after the third year of the deal, according to ESPN sources.
The deal makes the 27-year-old Miller the highest-paid defensive player by average at $19.083 million per year. It is also the richest contract at any position other than quarterback.
Miller took to social media to show his pleasure with the deal by tweeting a photo of himself in a Broncos jersey with the caption “FOR LIFE.”
Franchise-tagged players must sign a long-term deal or make the average of top-five salaries of their position for this year if the deadline is not met.
Miller received the exclusive franchise tag on March 1 after finishing last season with 11 sacks and four forced fumbles. The four-time Pro Bowl selection added 2 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles to help the Broncos defeat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
