ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Von Miller signed a blockbuster $114.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos that includes $70 million in guarantees and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The Super Bowl MVP accepted the six-year offer two hours before Friday’s deadline, tweeting a photo of himself with the caption “For Life.”
Miller and agent Joby Branion parlayed patience into a record-breaking deal in terms of overall value and guarantees. Last month, Miller’s camp rejected the $38.5 million the Broncos offered in guarantees, and Miller threatened to sit out the season barring a long-term deal.
Now, the versatile outside linebacker will lead Denver’s title defense instead.
The blockbuster deal includes a $23 million signing bonus and will pay Miller $61 million over the first eight months.
“I’m happy that both sides were able to broker a deal that works for both sides,” Branion told The Associated Press. “That’s the mark of a good negotiation. The Broncos are happy to have Von back and Von’s happy to be back.”
Both the overall value of the deal and the guaranteed money are records for non-quarterbacks.
The only player with more guaranteed money is Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who signed a six-year deal last month that includes $75 million fully guaranteed and another $12 million guaranteed against injury.
CHIEFS: Safety Eric Berry failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, meaning he will play this season under the value of his franchise tag, worth $10.8 million.
Berry was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year last season after being diagnosed in November 2014 with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He made his fourth Pro Bowl last season after helping lead the Chiefs to the playoffs.
BEARS: Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will play under the franchise tag next season after the two sides failed to agree on a long-term contract extension by Friday’s deadline.
Jeffery, who missed seven games last season because of injuries, will be paid $14.6 million this season. Even with his season limited, Jeffery led the team with 54 catches and 807 receiving yards last season while scoring four touchdowns. His per-game average of 89.7 receiving yards was the seventh-best mark in the NFL.
RAVENS: Kicker Justin Tucker agreed to a four-year contract after being designated the team’s franchise player.
• Ray Rice is still hoping to return to the NFL, though he says he’s running out of time.
Rice has not played in the league since being suspended at the start of the 2014 season for domestic violence. He told NJ.com on Thursday he knows he probably won’t get another opportunity.
“I don’t want to ever say I’m giving up, because that’s never going to be me,” Rice said before playing in Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton’s charity softball game. “I’m happy. I’m in the best shape of my life, and I know if it doesn’t happen this year, it’s probably something I have to deal with. But you know what? It’s not the end of my life.
“I know that the window for playing is closing. But if my window closes, I’m going to make sure I open up a thousand more opportunities for kids, to give them an opportunity to pick up where I left off. That’s where I’m at. I’ve got three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl. There’s a lot of people that can’t go out there and do what I did. But I don’t want it to end that way, it’s safe to say.”
WASHINGTON: Kirk Cousins will play next season on the franchise tag after the quarterback and the team were unable to agree on a long-term contract.
Cousins will earn $19.95 million in 2016. He’ll be the first quarterback to play a season on the franchise tag since Drew Brees with the San Diego Chargers in 2005.
JETS: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson signed a five-year contract extension.
49ERS: Linebacker Aaron Lynch has been suspended for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Lynch is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. He will be eligible to return to the 49ers’ active roster Oct. 3.
BILLS: Running back Karlos Williams was suspended for the first four games of the season for a drug offense.
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