There’s only one more day left until the NFL deadline for: any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multi-year contract or extension. After this date, the player may sign only a one year contract with his prior club for the 2016 season and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.
With that being said, there are some talented players that have yet to come to terms with their respective teams. Kirk Cousins (questionable), Eric Berry, Alshon Jeffery, Justin Tucker, Trumaine Johnson, Muhammad Wilkerson and Von Miller are all currently playing the waiting game for their long-term contracts with the deadline rapidly approaching. It doesn’t appear likely that Cousins, Berry or Jeffery will be receiving their contracts this off-season, but nothing is official just yet. There’s still plenty of time remaining before the 4:00 pm Friday deadline and as Jerry Jones likes to say “deadlines make deals.”
However, if a long-term contract can’t be reached, the franchise tag binds the player to the team for the upcoming season. Doesn’t it??
Apparently, not everyone is thrilled about being designated a franchise player. Von Miller has said on numerous occasions, that if he doesn’t get a long-term contract, “No, I’m not going to play on the franchise tag. It just doesn’t make sense in any way.” Miller said via ESPN that the dispute isn’t over the dollar amount of the contract, but rather an opportunity for him to address what he feels is an unfair system. He believes the franchise tag is unfair to players because it prevents them from exploring their value on the open market. If Miller is really serious about not playing under the franchise tag, and I have no reason to believe otherwise, would the Denver Broncos reconsider the idea of trading him to another team, thus maximizing his value?
With the recent 10 game suspension of MLB Rolando McClain, the Dallas Cowboys would certainly benefit from the addition of Von Miller. Pairing him with Sean Lee would immediately give the Cowboys the best linebacker tandem in the league. But, if given the opportunity, would the Cowboys actually pull the trigger and trade for the Super Bowl 50 MVP?
Here are four reasons why I think the Cowboys should steer clear of Von Miller (assuming the Denver Broncos put him on the trading block):
1. Cost Of The Trade – If the Broncos fail in their attempts to secure Von Miller to a long-term contract and subsequently decide to maximize his value by putting him on the trading block, you can be sure that there will be a long list of teams interested in inquiring about the talented OLB. This could ultimately result in a bidding war for his services.
2. Goes Against Our Philosophy – The organization learned a valuable lesson by signing Brandon Carr to a five year, $50.1 million contract back in 2012. No longer does this team offer big money to players that have performed well for other teams. They prefer to spend that money on players from our own system that have produced for us.
3. Jaylon Smith – The Cowboys drafted Jaylon Smith at the top of the second round knowing that he would need time before he sees the field, if ever. The team will surely want to see this play out before making any serious investments at the linebacker position, as they hope the tandem of Smith and Lee can anchor the Cowboys defense for years to come.
4. Keeping Our Own – The Cowboys have a bunch of really important free agents coming up for new contracts in the coming years, including the bulk of the OL. Travis Frederick is up next, with Zack Martin and La’el Collins not far behind. The Cowboys must do everything they can to keep the strength of this team in tact. When Tony Romo eventually retires, the team will need a strong OL and running game to help Dak Prescott ease into the role of franchise QB of the Dallas Cowboys.
Let me finish by saying that this was completely hypothetical. Like many of you out there, I also fully expect the Denver Broncos and Von Miller to come to an agreement right around the deadline. Similar to the Cowboys and Dez Bryant last season. After all, “deadlines make deals.”
As usual, your opinions are welcomed below #CowboysNation. Appreciate you taking the time to read my work. We may not always agree, but you can count on me being respectful and I could talk football until I’m blue (and silver) in the face… especially Cowboys Football!!
