:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50131543/usa-today-9108183.0.jpg)
The negotiations between the Denver Broncos and their star linebacker Von Miller have finally culminated in a last second deal for the Super Bowl MVP. Meanwhile, NFL Comeback Player of the Year Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs wasn't as lucky and will play on the franchise tag with no deal completed before today's Franchise Tag deadline.
Von Miller's contract has been the talk of the entire off-season with the super star stating several times that he would sit out the season rather than play on the Franchise Tag this year. That won't be a necessary sacrifice after he has officially signed a 6 year, $114.5M contract with $70M guaranteed to be paid by March 18th of 2018. The overall numbers had been agreed to long ago but there was much debate over the guaranteed portion which the Broncos tried to low ball at first with only $38M guaranteed over the first two years of the deal.
Eric Berry's situation is actually quite a bit more interesting. The Chiefs and their star safety were unable to come to an agreement but it's one of the reasons why that is so strange. Reportedly, it is because Kansas City tried to get Berry to purchase his own disability policy at a cost of $2M that would have had the Chiefs as the beneficiary to be paid $20M if Eric Berry were unable to play through the span of the contract.
For those of you unfamiliar with Eric Berry's situation, he missed all of the season before last while battling Cancer which he miraculously beat and came back as good as ever to have a Pro Bowl season last year. That the Chiefs would turn around and ask him to spend his own money on a disability policy for them is about as odd of a circumstance as I have ever heard of happening.
The Chiefs reportedly let go of the request but the damage had already been done. Between the odd request from the team and Eric Berry's contract demands that are believed to have been in the $12-$13M a year range it isn't that surprising that no deal was made. It will be interesting to see if there is bad blood remaining next year when Eric Berry will likely be given the chance to test free agency rather than be given the Franchise Tag two seasons in a row.
There were other, non AFC West Franchise Tagged players that also were trying to get deals done before today's deadline. The Ravens reached a 4 year deal with kicker Justin Tucker, and surprisingly the New York Jets were able to sign Muhammad Wilkerson to a long term deal. The Jets and Wilkerson have been embroiled in a contract controversy for quite some time and there have long been rumors that the two would not be able to come to an agreement.
The players that were unable to get deals done were Washington QB Kirk Cousins, Rams CB Trumaine Johnson, and Bears WR Alshon Jeffrey.
Chiefs failed to reach a deal with Eric Berry after asking him to pay for his own disability policy - SBNation.com
It sounds like negotiations between the Chiefs and the 2015 Comeback Player of the Year got a little ugly.
BREAKING: Broncos sign linebacker Von Miller to a six-year, $114.5 million deal - Mile High Report
The Broncos signed their reigning Super Bowl MVP and their new face of the Franchise.
NFL franchise tag tracker: Contract, negotiations recap
Keeping up with franchise tag players’ contract negotiations as the deadline nears.
Other stories from around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway, Denver Broncos Head Coach, and All-Pro linebacker Von Miller comment on the new deal both sides agreed to earlier today.
Where does Von Miller’s new monster contract stack up and was it worth it? – The Denver Post
July 15 was a good day for outside linebacker Von Miller as he agreed to a six-year, $114.5 million contract with a nonquarterback-record $70 million in guarantees.
San Diego Chargers
Civic Leaders Oppose Chargers Bid to Build Downtown Stadium - Times of San Diego
A group of civic leaders opposed to the Chargers proposal to build a downtown stadium and convention center annex.
Why San Diego Chargers Star Jason Verrett Is the Next Great NFL Cornerback | MensFitness.com
The Pro Bowler talks about his offseason training, why he admires Darrelle Revis, and his favorite calorie-loaded pre-game meal.
Kansas City Chiefs
Family sues Kansas City Chiefs over fan's beating death
The family of a Missouri man fatally beaten in 2013 outside of Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is suing the NFL franchise
Report: No deal between Chiefs, Eric Berry - Arrowhead Pride
Well huh.
Other stories from around the NFL
Breaking: Tom Brady Will Accept Suspension, Won't Appeal to SCOTUS - Pats Pulpit
Deflategate is finally over.
Robert Kraft hammers NFL after Tom Brady gives up on Deflategate suspension
Robert Kraft says QB was "denied his right to a fair and impartial process."
Loading comments...