Contract offers speak a lot of truth about what an NFL team thinks about a player. While a coaching staff or general manager can say flattering things publicly, the guaranteed commitment of salary-cap space often cuts through the fog of public relations and gives tangible perspective.

In that respect, the Denver Broncos made a clear statement about their evaluation of linebacker Von Miller. And those who have spoken with Miller say he's not pleased with it.

View photos Von Miller is seeking more than $38 million guaranteed. (AP) More

While some look at Miller and see a Super Bowl MVP with four All-Pro nods who gives versatility in Denver's defensive system, the Broncos seem to be expecting more of him. That's what Miller's latest contract offer says. Regardless of the negotiating leverage a franchise tag offers, Denver has the ability to give Miller more robust long-term salary guarantees. But by offering what amounts to a "real" two-year guaranteed deal for $38.5 million, Denver's brain trust is saying at least one (and maybe all) of these three things about Miller right now:

1. The Broncos don't believe Miller has earned the guaranteed money given to the NFL's most highly paid defender.

Denver's offer at $38.5 million is a lot of guaranteed money in the NFL. Surely, general manager John Elway and Broncos lead negotiator Mike Sullivan have put that digit on the negotiating table with this mindset: "This is a lot of good money in the first two years." There is some context, too. The Houston Texans guaranteed former Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler $37 million in his first two seasons. Former Denver defensive end Malik Jackson? He was offered $31.5 million over his first two seasons. With the numbers doing the talking, the Broncos essentially equated Miller's guaranteed value to a level that lands just $1.5 million north of Brock Osweiler, and $3.5 million a year higher than Jackson.

And none of that speaks to elite level defensive players. The Miami Dolphins' Ndamukong Suh and Buffalo Bills' Marcell Dareus inked contracts that surrendered $60 million and $42.9 million guaranteed in the first two seasons of their respective years. Both were signed one year ago, before the salary cap grew by more than 8 percent. Adjusted for cap inflation, those numbers would have worked out to roughly $64.8 million and $46.3 million. Compare that to the $38.5 million offered to Miller.

Neither of those numbers take into account the contract that the New York Giants' Olivier Vernon signed in March. Vernon is due $40.5 million in guarantees his first two years.

From an impact and accomplishment standpoint, which player is Miller's peer? Most would say Miller falls far closer to Suh's plateau, yet the Broncos have offered less guaranteed money than Vernon, who is the lesser talent. From Miller's vantage point, this comparison says the Broncos don't think he's done enough to even earn a Vernon guarantee. Considering Miller's accolades, that is hard to fathom.

2. The Broncos don't trust Miller beyond the 2017 season.

Miller is looking for contract security that makes him uncuttable for the next three seasons. The Broncos offered a deal that basically gives the franchise the right to push the eject button after two (as well as multiple points deeper into the final four years of their six-year offer). It raises a question of trust.

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