The Broncos intend to pick up the fifth-year option for star pass rusher Von Miller, but will wait until closer to the May 3rd deadline, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. By exercising that option, the Broncos would be guaranteeing that salary in case of injury, and by holding back on picking up that fifth year early, the team is protecting themselves against the (unlikely) possibility that Miller suffers a two-season injury in the next week.
Florio also notes that due to Miller’s issues with substance abuse, this also gives the team more time to evaluate his off the field decisions. His next suspension would sideline him for an entire season, and while the team would obviously not have to pay a suspended player, it could change the team’s feelings on whether to commit to Miller long term.
More from around the AFC West:
- The Broncos could look to select a defensive back with their first-round pick, and according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., TCU corner Jason Verrett could be the pick, writes Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. The team would prefer Justin Gilbert out of Oklahoma State, or Kyle Fuller from Virginia Tech, but Gilbert will be long gone and Fuller might be already selected as well.
- The Raiders prefer Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan to the more highly touted prospects of Auburn’s Greg Robinson and Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, reports Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune (via Twitter). Lewan was widely considered the third best offensive tackle in this draft, but has been considered a lock for the first half of round one since the end of his junior season. Lewan was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year following his junior and senior seasons, and could be drafted anywhere in the first half of day one, potentially as high as second overall to the Rams.
- Troy wide receiver Eric Thomas, who previously visited the Colts, worked out for the Chargers yesterday, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.