Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller has turned down a contract offer that would have made him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller Rejects Highest-Ever $114.5M Offer From Broncos

The Super Bowl 50 MVP rejected a six-year deal that included a total value $114.5 million, reported NFL Media’s James Palmer, via a source familiar with the negotiations. In terms of total value, the contract would have represented the highest ever for a non-quarterback. The deal includes $39.8 million in guaranteed money in the first two seasons, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Although the Broncos had reportedly set a deadline of 10 pm MT on Tuesday to reach an agreement, they have not pulled the offer, according to Palmer. Palmer also stated on Inside Minicamp Live on Wednesday that the team is re-evaluating its position and negotiations remain ongoing.

The two major questions that now remain, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, are where do the Broncos and Miller stand regarding guaranteed money and how much does the pass rusher stand to make over the first three years of the deal. These two details are expected to be the biggest factors driving the contract discussions.

NFL Media’s Rand Getlin added Miller, 27, does not have an issue with the broader, $114.5 million terms of the deal, per a source familiar with the negotiations. In April, Yahoo Sports reported that Miller and his agent, Joby Branion, were seeking a five-year contract worth approximately $22 million per season. Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh currently sets the league defensive standard with a contract worth $19 million per year, which is what the Broncos are now offering Miller.

The Broncos’ main goal was to find common ground with Miller in time to attend this week’s minicamp. General Manager John Elway set this week’s soft deadline after former Denver franchise players Ryan Clady and Demaryius Thomas struggled after missing offseason action in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

Miller expressed optimism earlier this week, stating during the team’s White House visit on Monday that genuine advancement had recently been made on a new deal.

“We’ve made real progress over the last couple of days,” Miller told reporters Monday in Washington. “I’m very optimistic about the whole thing. Yeah, I remain optimistic about everything.”

Millers was drafted by the Broncos as the second overall pick in 2011 out of Texas A&M, and has played with them since. He helped lead Denver to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 in February. Over his five NFL seasons, Miller has compiled 60 quarterback sacks, 260 tackles, 16 forced fumbles and one interception. He is also a four-time Pro-Bowler.

If both parties fail to reach an agreement by the collective bargaining agreement’s July 15 deadline, Miller will be forced to sit out the 2016 season on the $14.129 million franchise tag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xITT6riAyoQ

PHOTO: SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Von Miller has stated he is optimistic about a new long-term contract with the Denver Broncos, with whom he’s spent the past five seasons since being drafted out of Texas A&M as the No. 2 overall pick in 2011.

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller Says New Deal With Broncos Is Coming Soon

“I’m expecting a deal any day. That’s just the mindset I have,” said the Broncos outside linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP during an appearance at his charity event in Denver Wednesday night. During the event, Miller provided eyeglasses for nearly 300 local kids as part of his Von’s Vision foundation.

Earlier this week, general manager John Elway stated there has only been one offer and one counter-offer with Miller’s representatives. Elway placed the exclusive franchise tag on Miller.

“My teammates know what type of teammate I am,” Miller told the Denver Post on Wednesday. “They know what type of guy I am. It’s just the business part of it. There’s really no hard feelings or anything like that.

Miller was named the MVP of Super Bowl 50 last February after his two strip-sacks of quarterback Cam Newton led the Broncos to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Miller is currently skipping voluntary team workouts as he waits for a new deal. While he waits, Miller seems content trying to winDancing With The Stars, which he says will help improve his sack celebration dances this coming season. 

The non-stop media tour has been a welcome distraction of sorts as the July 15 negotiation window slowly creeps in.

“There’s really not anything negative about it,” Miller said. “Of course I want to be there with my guys. Just taking it one day at a time. I’m just working out, dancing, trying to do the best I can with that.”

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)