ENGLEWOOD | Von Miller has agreed to 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.
FILE – In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller celebrates a sack against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game in San Diego. The NFL’s salary cap for 2016 will be $155.27 million, an increase of nearly $12 million. Among the players whose contracts have expired and might wind up getting tagged are Super Bowl MVP Miller, and other All-Pros such as Carolina cornerback Josh Norman, Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin and Kansas City safety Eric Berry. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
FILE – In this Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 file photo, Denver Broncos Super Bowl MVP defensive back Von Miller hoists the Lombardi Trophy high for the fans to see during a Super Bowl victory parade in Denver. The Super Bowl champions reconvened Monday, April 18, minus some notable star power. Miller is in California doing the jive with Lindsay Arnold on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
FILE – In this Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 file photo, Denver Broncos Von Miller (58) makes an outside rush against the Carolina Panthers Mike Remmers (74) during the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game in Santa Clara, Calif. Von Miller says he’s optimistic hell soon have a long-term contract with the Denver Broncos, Wednesday, April 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)
FILE – In this Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, center, jokes with teammates at a rally following a parade through downtown Denver. Miller, the Super Bowl 50 MVP, and the Broncos have reached an impasse in contract negotiations that has triggered the possibility that he could sit out the 2016 season altogether. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
FILE – In this Oct. 4, 2015, file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater during an NFL football game in Denver. A person familiar with the matter tells The Associated Press that Super Bowl MVP Von Miller’s camp has rejected a contract proposal that would have made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
FILE – This 2014 file photo, shows Von Miller of the Denver Broncos NFL football team. The Broncos have placed their exclusive franchise tag on Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. (AP Photo/File)
FILE – In this Feb. 7, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos Von Miller (58) strips the ball from Carolina Panthers Cam Newton (1) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos recovered the ball for a touchdown. The Denver Broncos have placed their exclusive franchise tag on Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller speaks at a news conference in San Francisco, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Miller was named Super Bowl MVP after the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
“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 andVon’s happy to be back.”
Both the overall value of the deal and the guaranteed money are records for nonquarterbacks. 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.
