Report: Von Miller won't attend the start of Broncos' offseason program

To the surprise of no one, Von Miller will not attend the Denver Broncos' offseason program absent a contract come Monday. Well, everyone save for Aqib Talib who said Miller would attend.

The news was first reported by Mike Klis of 9News.

Or as Troy Renck said on Twitter, "Von Miller will be on Dancing With The Stars on Monday. Easy explanation rather than potentially miss as seeks long-term contract."

According to Klis, the Broncos linebacker called coach Gary Kubiak this week to express regret that he will not attend the offseason program that begins next week because he doesn't have a contract. That information came to Klis from several sources close to the situation.

In terms of a contract and possible resolution, Klis also reported:

The Broncos are acknowledging Miller is a special player but they are so far steadfast in not wanting to make him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. Miami defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh currently holds that distinction with a deal worth $19.062 million a year.

The Broncos latest offer is around $18 million per year, according to sources. Miller's camp points to the contract the New York Giants recently gave to former Miami Dolphins' defensive lineman Olivier Vernon. That deal pays Vernon an average of $17 million a year and is structured so that he gets an astounding $29 million in 2016 alone.

Given his performance in the postseason, it's understandable why Miller and his reps want the linebacker to become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Miller had one of the greatest defensive performances in NFL playoff history to help Denver win Super Bowl 50. Miller had a combined five sacks in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl where he helped make the life of Tom Brady and Cam Newton miserable.

In his five-year career, Miller has 60 sacks and 16 forced fumbles. For comparison's sake, Vernon has 29 sacks and three forced fumbles. Klis added that statistical comparison could up Miller's market value to $20-25 million.

The news Miller won't attend the start of the offseason program is nothing new in Denver. All of the recent players to receive the franchise tag from the Broncos didn't show up for OTAs - Matt Prater, Ryan Clady and Demaryius Thomas. However, all three signed long-term contracts in July prior to the start of training camp.

Miller and the Broncos have until July 15 to agree to a long-term contract or he will play on the one-year exclusive franchise tag that pays him $14.19 million.

The hope is John Elway and the Broncos can reach an agreement before that. Say when "Dancing with the Stars" ends?