Skip to content

Broncos' Harris: Von Miller's ring means he deserves to be paid more than J.J. Watt

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Von Miller is set for an enormous payday after helping the Denver Broncos secure the Lombardi Trophy, and teammate Chris Harris believes that achievement means the linebacker should become the highest paid defensive player in the league.

When asked on Thursday's "NFL Total Access" if Miller's contract should exceed that of J.J. Watt and Ndamukong Suh, Harris said their recently acquired bling makes the answer simple.

"Oh, easy," Harris said, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com. "J.J. Watt doesn't have a ring. Von has a ring, and he's the (Super Bowl) MVP. The way he's been able to lead us with his rushing ability. I mean, he still has a lot left. He still has a lot of improvement to do to get better."

Miller's performance in the playoffs solidified his position among the NFL's elite defenders, but rings are rarely considered a measure of a defensive player's greatness.

For example, Watt's Houston Texans have won just two playoff games since he was drafted five seasons ago, but very few would argue the three-time Defensive Player of the Year doesn't deserve his monster contract because he's never won a Super Bowl.

While it's a strong possibility Miller will receive a contract that exceeds Watt's average of over $16 million per year, or even Suh's league-leading average of $19 million, it would arguably have more to do with his amazing individual production than his team's success.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox