Von Miller's Super Bowl MVP Proves Broncos Must Lock Up Free Agent for Good

With every rip around the edge, linebacker Von Miller dominated Super Bowl 50 in relentless fashion along with a swarming Denver Broncos defense, without a doubt ensuring that he deserves to be locked up in Mile High for good with a fat contract entering free agency.

Miller's constant presence around the edge proved too much for the Carolina Panthers offensive line, as the speedy pass-rusher got to quarterback Cam Newton over and over.

He accounted for six tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles—but his impact on the game proved even greater than those ridiculous numbers. Case in point was his first forced fumble leading to a touchdown recovery by Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson, per NFL:

With the Broncos leading 3-0 at the time, that play from Miller set the tone for what the Broncos did all night long. They constantly disrupted Newton in the backfield and made it tough for them to sustain drives.

Their defensive prowess got them into a 16-10 game late in the fourth, but Newton and the Panthers offense had one last crack with four minutes to go. It didn't last long, as Miller ripped the ball free from Newton and the Broncos recovered.

Three plays later, running back C.J. Anderson plunged his way in for the dagger touchdown and moments later Miller returned to the field with confetti falling as the Super Bowl MVP.

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Miller comes from a great 2011 draft class featuring Newton, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson and himself from the top five. Each of the other four have received long-term contracts with their respective clubs, yet Miller has not despite being arguably as impressive as any of them.

But after Sunday's heroics, it may be safe to say that pay day is coming, as ESPN.com's Field Yates predicted:

Miller's dominance over the game was more than deserving of the MVP, and even the opposing head coach agreed. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera noted as much to ESPN.com's David Newton, saying, "he was the MVP and deservedly so."

There are so many pieces to Denver's defense that make it great, but Miller is undoubtedly the leader and workhorse that makes it thrive. His impact proved itself on the biggest stage Sunday night, and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller thinks it will result in many dollar signs:

Peyton Manning may or may not be retiring (how could he not?), but the window of winning is still right now for general manager John Elway and the Broncos. Quarterback Brock Osweiler showed what he can do in the regular season, and the defense is obviously at a championship level—and could remain that way for the next handful of years.

Whether or not the Sheriff is around for another rodeo in 2016, he's getting some contributions from Miller even before his new contract, as NFL Network reported:

There is still the possibility of a franchise tag, and that was even reported as likely by ESPN's Adam Schefter leading up to the Super Bowl. But how can you do that after Sunday? The man not only won Denver a championship, but he has been consistently dominant aside from an ACL tear late in 2013.

Sunday proved even more so that Von Miller is every bit as valuable as the other players taken in the top five of his draft class. Ironically enough, the Super Bowl gave him a chance to physically toss the No. 1 overall pick around to prove it on sports' biggest stage.

It may not even be fair to compare Miller to just his 2011 classmates when discussing what he's worth. Playing like one of the league's best defensive players, he's going to get paid like it in his next contract.

Player	Money
Marcell Dareus, BUF	$60 million
Ndamukong Suh, MIA	$59.9 million
Justin Houston, KC	$52.5 million
J.J. Watt, HOU	$51.8 million
Gerald McCoy, TB	$51.5 million

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt signed for six years and $100 million. Dareus got six years and $108 million last offseason, while Carolina may have gotten the steal of the century with a five-year, $62 million extension for linebacker Luke Kuechly. With the NFL's salary cap sure to expand in the coming years and age being on Miller's side, Ian Wharton of Bleacher Report believes he'll be paid every bit as much as them soon:

The Broncos would have to walk a fine line navigating a franchise tag for Miller, who has seen players around the league muscle their way into a big deal by holding out. That's not the type of attention any locker room needs when attempting to repeat as Super Bowl champions, and with Manning's massive contract likely coming off the books Denver has no excuse not to make it happen.

Entering his prime at the age of 26, Miller is as valuable a player as there is in the NFL. The Denver Broncos had to have realized that Sunday and won't let him go anywhere anytime soon.