Denver Broncos

Broncos and Von Miller reportedly $20 million apart in contract talks

Published Apr. 18, 2016 6:27 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

The Denver Broncos' offseason program started Monday, and Von Miller was nowhere to be found. The Super Bowl MVP was a no-show reportedly because of his ongoing contract talks and his "Dancing With The Stars" obligations.

The Broncos have given Miller the exclusive franchise tag tender worth $14.129 million for 2016. But it appears the Pro Bowl linebacker is looking for a much bigger payday.

According to Yahoo Sports, Miller and the Broncos are not even close in their contract talks, with a gulf of $20 million over a five-year offer separating the two sides. Two sources told Yahoo Sports that the Broncos' are offering roughly $18 million a year -- or $90 million over five years. Miller's camp reportedly is looking for a deal in the $22 million-a-year range, which would equate to around $110 million over five years.

Miller's reported stance would trump the mega-salaries fellow defensive players Ndamukong Suh ($19 million a year) and Olivier Vernon ($17 million) are earning. But, according to the report, it looks like the Broncos are taking a hard stance in the contract talks. General Manager John Elway believes the $18 million-a-year offer is more than fair, leaving Miller just behind Suh among highest-paid defensive players.

If Miller, 27, doesn't budge from his reported stance and holds out of minicamp or training camp it would be another blow to the defending Super Bowl champs, who lost quarterback Brock Osweiler, defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan this offseason.

So who will blink first?