Broncos exercise fifth-year option on LB Von Miller

The Broncos are banking that Von Miller can rebound from a disappointing year. (USATSI)

The Broncos have exercised their fifth-year option on LB Von Miller, league sources confirmed to CBSSports.com's Will Brinson.

The move was expected but important nonetheless, especially given that Miller served a six-game suspension last season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Another violation, though, and his future with the Broncos could be in jeopardy.

The Broncos had until Saturday, May 3 to pick up their player option on Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft. As part of the CBA, all 2011 first-round picks were guaranteed a player option, and Denver's move is guaranteed from injury only until the first day of the 2015 season, at which time it would become fully guaranteed.

Miller is currently rehabbing from an ACL tear he suffered at the end of last season, and he's eyeing the season opener as a return date. He's reportedly ahead of schedule and has been running for two weeks.

Miller's option salary for 2015 would be $9.75 million, although today's move buys time for both parties to negotiate a long-term deal, should Denver feel it's warranted. If Miller returns and plays like he did in his first two seasons, the 2015 option rate could be a steal for Denver.

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Despite ankle surgery, Panthers say QB Cam Newton will not run less this season



Panthers quarterback Cam Newton ran for 585 yards last season, a very respectful total but his lowest in three NFL seasons. He also underwent ankle surgery last month that is expected to keep him out of action until training camp. But once Newton is ready, the Panthers plan to use him like normal; you shouldn't expect Newton to fall further than 585."We don't want to take away a weapon," head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday to the speculation that Newton will run less this season.



It's just one sentence about Newton in an article really about the Panthers' priorities in next week's draft. Two big priorities: Help on the offensive line to protect Newton, and help at wide receiver to catch his passes. Assuming Newton recovers well from his surgery, I will have no concerns about him. But everyone should be concerned about the Panthers' receiving corps, currently headed by Jerricho Cotchery and Tiquan Underwood. That weakness, and a patchy offensive line, will have more of an effect on Newton than ankle surgery. His fantasy value hinges heavily on how the Panthers address their group of wide receivers in the draft.