Miller, Norman, Cousins tagged

Where are the all-pros without contracts going?

Nowhere, it appears.

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and fellow all-pro players Josh Norman and Eric Berry were given franchise tags Tuesday, the league's deadline to do so.

In all, nine players were slapped with the franchise tag and one, Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon, got the transition tag.

Broncos linebacker Miller was the only player to get the exclusive tag, at $14.129 million, meaning no other team can make him an offer.

Panthers cornerback Norman and Chiefs safety Berry were among the eight who received non-exclusive designations, so other clubs can make offers, but their current teams have the right to match or get compensated with two first-round draft picks.

Also getting tagged with free agency set to begin on March 9 were Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, Ravens placekicker Justin Tucker, Bills tackle Cordy Glenn and Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

The players have until July 15 to work out a long-term contract with their teams. If they can't - and most franchises are eager to get these players locked up for several years - then the salary for 2016 is determined by the tag designation.

Cousins would earn the most, $19.9 million, because quarterbacks have the highest tag number. Wilkerson would be next at $15.7 million.

Miami decided against placing the franchise tag on Vernon, and this year's transition number calls for defensive ends to receive $12.734 million. A transition tag allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but his current club has the right of first refusal to match any offer. Should Vernon leave, there is no compensation for Miami.

Many people consider the 26-year-old Miller, who will receive $14.129 million, the best defensive player in the NFL. Some rate him the best overall player. Clearly, the Broncos weren't leaving any opening for him to get away.

"We've had productive talks with Von's representation, and we'll continue those discussions with the goal of making sure Von remains a Bronco well into the future," GM John Elway said in a statement.

The outside linebacker has 60 sacks in his first five NFL seasons after being taken second overall behind Cam Newton - the Panthers QB he harassed in the Super Bowl - in 2011.

Miller made an appearance on NFL Network on Monday, and said, "I have never been franchised before, so I can't really say, 'Hey, I don't want to be franchised. I don't want to do this.' I can tell you what: I want to be with the Denver Broncos."