National Football
League roundup

[July 09, 2016]   July 8 (The Sports Xchange) - Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and representatives from the Denver Broncos are expected to talk on the phone in a bid to end their contract stalemate, ESPN reported on Friday.

Miller steadfastly has said that he does not wish to be placed under the franchise tag for the upcoming season. Franchise-tagged players have until next Friday to sign a long-term deal or make the average of the top-five salaries of their position for this year.

Guaranteed money reportedly has been the sticking point between the two sides on the proposed six-year, $114.5 million contract.

The contract would have made the 27-year-old Miller the NFL's highest-paid defensive player, edging Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Houston Texans Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, among others.

Miller is haggling to get more guarantees in his deal, and most of the approximately $39.8 million Denver did guarantee in its most recent offer was spread over two years.

The sides had been idle for over a month until Denver general manager John Elway reached out to the outside linebacker last weekend in a bid to restart negotiations.

- -

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins posted a video of himself on Instagram doing some running with the words "back on top soon."

The 23-year-old's availability for training camp was originally in question after he underwent offseason surgery in April to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

Watkins reeled in 60 receptions to go along with career highs in both yards (1,047) and touchdowns (nine) last season.

- -

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly received good news after he underwent a biopsy on Thursday.

His wife, Jill Kelly, posted on Instagram that the preliminary results from the biopsy showed no signs of cancer.

"A big thumbs up from JK! And a big THANK YOU to God, the doctors and all of you who prayed for Jim today," Jill Kelly wrote.

"Preliminary results from the biopsies show NO sign of cancer!! After he heard the awesome news, he said two things: 'Thank God for all the prayers!' And... 'I need a chocolate milkshake!' #KellyTough."

Kelly, 56, first began battling cancer in his jaw in 2013 and had a recurrence in 2014. Doctors in New York City are investigating whether the cancer has returned. (Editing by Larry Fine)

[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.