Von Miller Calls NFL's Franchise Tag 'Leaguewide Problem'

In an interview with ESPN on Monday, Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller reiterated he won't play under the franchise tag in 2016 and spoke about his issues with the NFL policy.

"No, I'm not going to play on the franchise tag. It just doesn't make sense in any way," Miller said (h/t Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith). "I've never really played for money. It's bigger than that for me. It's a leaguewide problem that I feel like I'm in a situation to help out with."

Under the rules of the franchise tag, each team has a chance to give one player the designation. That player's salary for the next season is determined by the average of the top five salaries at the position, which for Miller would be approximately $14 million.

While it may seem like a reasonable amount to play for, Miller was the MVP of Super Bowl 50 and has 25 sacks over the past two seasons, giving him plenty of leverage for a lucrative long-term deal.

ESPN's Andrew Brandt sided with Miller on the matter:

On Friday, Vic J. Lombardi of AltitudeTV reported the Broncos offered Miller $61 million in guarantees over three years. On Sunday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted Denver's total offer is for $114.5 million over six years.

The Carolina Panthers hit cornerback Josh Norman with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, but they rescinded it when the sides couldn't agree on a lengthier deal. Norman then signed a five-year, $75 million deal with Washington, per Spotrac.

Speaking of Washington, the team placed its franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is set to make $19.95 million this year if the sides don't come to an agreement on a long-term contract.

Miller's value is undeniable, but the Broncos have a phenomenal secondary—cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby and safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart—that could hold its own in the event he holds out.

On the other hand, losing a dominant player like Miller could be detrimental to the Denver defense and the team as it defends the Lombardi Trophy.

Friday is the deadline for Miller and the Broncos to agree on a new contract. If they don't, he will have to either sign the one-year franchise deal or hold out for the season.