Denver Broncos LB Von Miller expects long-term deal

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller is optimistic a long-term deal will get done and the Super Bowl MVP believes the team has the talent to repeat as champion.

Miller is about to become a free agent, but the Broncos almost certainly would use the franchise tag on him if the sides can't reach a contract agreement.

In an interview with ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the 26-year-old Miller also expects his mentor, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, will return for the 2016 season.

"It feels like I've been here before -- we talked about (winning the Super Bowl) so much in the locker room,'' Miller told ESPN on Thursday. "At the table where we sit all the time, Emmanuel (Sanders), me, (Aqib) Talib, T.J. (Ward), we talked about it so much. It feels like I've been here before. Chris Harris, all the guys, we've talked about this, dreamed it, in the locker room, it's surreal to be able to experience it.

"We've got plans of doing this again. We don't want it to be a one-year thing.''

In Denver's 24-10 victory over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, Miller had 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, including one that resulted in the Broncos scoring a defensive touchdown after he ripped the ball free from Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) grabs the ball from Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton causing a fumble in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 50. Photo by Khaled Sayed/UPI

Regardless of the franchise tag, Miller expects to eventually end up with a long-term deal with the Broncos because of his relationship with executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway.

"I put in all the work I can possibly do,'' Miller told ESPN. "If I was with any other organization, if I was with any other team, maybe I'd be worried about everything, but I've got John Elway. He's played, he's had experience with this whole process. I feel comfortable. Me and John's relationship is great. He was there when I was going through stuff and he never wavered. I feel like we won't waver now either. It will be a great experience, and it will be peaceful -- there's no reason for it not to be.''

Miller also believes he will be playing alongside Ware again, who has a year left on his contract. Ware, who turns 34 on July 31, missed five games with a back injury this past season.

"Most definitely, I definitely think he's going to be back,'' Miller said. "We need him back. You saw the job he did, not only with me, but with everybody in the locker room. That alone is worth every penny, then when you add in his pass rush, all the skill he still has, of course I would like to keep DeMarcus and think he will be back.''