NFL Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Von Miller, Kirk Cousins and More

One of the biggest dates on the NFL's summer calendar arrives Friday afternoon, and it could have significant implications for a few teams.  

Players who have received the franchise-tag designation have until 4 p.m. ET on Friday to sign a long-term deal with their team. If the deadline passes with no long-term deal in place, a new contract cannot be negotiated until the regular season concludes in January.

In most cases, allowing this deadline to pass simply means dealing with a disgruntled player during training camp. But high-profile players have the ability to put pressure on their teams by threatening a holdout. 

Here's an update on where some of the notable players stand in their negotiations.

Von Miller, Denver Broncos

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Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller is the most high-profile player who could be affected by Friday's deadline. NFL Network's Rand Getlin recently reported the threat of Miller sitting out the 2016 season if a deal is not reached is "very real."

Fortunately for Denver Broncos fans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday a deal may be close:

"

#Broncos & Von Miller spent the last week making significant progress on the 6-year, $114M offer. I’m told the guarantees now eclipse $70M.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2016"

Most teams might be willing to call Miller's bluff, but the star linebacker is critical to Denver because of the makeup of the roster. Denver is a legitimate contender that relies on defense rather than a star quarterback, and Miller is arguably the most valuable player on the roster. 

According to Spotrac, the Broncos' offer of $70 million guaranteed would be the second-largest in NFL history, trailing only Andrew Luck's new contract with the Colts, which is valued at $87 million guaranteed.

The $114 million total value would also put Miller near the top of the league by matching Ndamukong Suh's deal, which is the highest total value for a non-quarterback.

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

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The only quarterback seeking a long-term deal to escape the franchise-tag designation is Washington's Kirk Cousins. 

Cousins will make just under $20 million under the tag in 2015, but he would prefer a long-term commitment from the team.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Washington has no interest in extending Cousins beyond this season. 

The team's stance is logical given Cousins' performance. While he showed flashes of greatness in 2015, throwing for 4,1666 yards and 29 touchdowns, he doesn't have the body of work to warrant a long-term deal.

Thanks the franchise-tag options for this year and in 2017, Washington effectively has him on a two-year contract that allows the team to buy more time before committing to Cousins as the quarterback of the future.

If Cousins repeats his 2015 performance this season, it's likely the team would be open to extending his deal once talks reopen in January. 

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

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Kickers don't often generate a lot of headlines in July, but Justin Tucker's contract has become one of the top storylines in the NFL of late. 

On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter updated the Baltimore Ravens man's latest stance on his negotiations: 

"

Ravens' K Justin Tucker is so frustrated with negotiations he's vowing not to re-sign with BALT after season if no long-term deal by Friday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 14, 2016"

At the age of 26, Tucker has already established himself as one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL. Not only has he displayed consistent accuracy, but he also has a strong leg, which is becoming increasingly valuable because of rule changes on kickoffs and extra points. 

In just four seasons in the league, Tucker already has 18 field goals of at least 50 yards. 

New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski signed a four-year, $17.2 million contract prior to the 2015 season, which is likely in the ballpark of what Tucker is seeking from Baltimore. 

If Tucker remains under the tag and hits the open market after the season, he could be in position to become the league's highest-paid kicker.