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National Football League roundup

[June 17, 2016] June 16 (The Sports Xchange) - Denver linebacker Von Miller expressed his toughest sentiments yet about his contract situation by insisting he won't play in 2016 if the Broncos keep the franchise tag on him.

Miller is disillusioned that he and the Broncos have been unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. Denver placed the franchise tag on Miller in March but the two sides are now at a stalemate in contract negotiations.

The Super Bowl 50 MVP used his Instagram account to convey his stance.

"I love my Teammates, Coaches, and My Fans but there is "No Chance" I play the 2016 season under the Franchise tag," Miller wrote.

The Broncos offered Miller a six-year, $114.5 million deal but it was turned down because Miller and his representatives weren't happy with the amount of guaranteed money in the offer. Denver offered $38.9 million in guaranteed money over the first two years with a potential of $58 million overall.

Without an agreement, Miller would be left to play the 2016 season under a $14.129 million franchise tag.

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Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera had his contract extended through the 2018 season and his salary will now top $6 million per season.

Rivera apparently reached agreement on the deal sometime during the spring. The new pact makes him among the highest-paid coaches in the league.

Seattle's Pete Carroll and New Orleans' Sean Payton reportedly make around $8 million a season and New England's Bill Belichick makes approximately $7.5 million.

Rivera coached the Panthers to an NFL-best 15-1 record last season. Carolina reached the Super Bowl before losing to the Denver Broncos.

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Pro Bowl defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson continues to be frustrated about his contract situation with the New York Jets and is considering not reporting to training camp on July 27.

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Wilkerson has doubts about whether the Jets want him because he has been unable to secure a long-term deal. He currently has the Jets' franchise tag, which gives the two sides until July 15 to come to an agreement.

If they are unable to strike a deal, Wilkerson would receive $15.7 million under the franchise tender in 2016.

The 26-year-old Wilkerson skipped the Jets' mandatory minicamp that ended Thursday, but he hasn't demanded a trade. He continues to show up at the team's practice facility for rehab work on the leg that was fractured in the final game last season.

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Running back Kenyan Drake signed with the Miami Dolphins, who now have all eight of their NFL Draft picks under contract. Terms were not disclosed.

Drake was selected in the third round after playing in 42 career games for Alabama, where he rushed for 1,495 yards and 18 touchdowns on 233 carries while adding 570 yards and four scores on 46 receptions.

Drake is expected to have an immediate impact on the Dolphins' backfield with Lamar Miller signing a four-year, $26 million deal with the Houston Texans.

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The New England Patriots and rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett agreed to contractual terms, the club announced.

Brissett, a third-round selection, landed a four-year deal worth approximately $3.4 million, according to published reports. (Editing by Larry Fine) ))

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