AFC contender the Buffalo Bills may shockingly release $120 million veteran edge rusher, Von Miller this offseason. According to a report, the team could move on from the veteran which would open up space for younger players. Miller has been struggling to return from a torn ACL, falling to the bottom of the rotation, and didn’t record a sack in 12 games. It’s easy to see why the Bills would move on considering they’re running out of options.
Buffalo would clear over $8 million in cap space by releasing him. However, the Bills are doing what they can to fix their financial problems after trading Stefon Diggs and cutting several veterans. Safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White were among the players released from their contracts. The Bills may not be done as the post-June 1 date is coming and there could be more releases.
However, one report says they could trade the Texas A&M product, speculating it would be a financial move. The Bills would give more playing time to the players who are having a significant impact. Miller had a career-worst statistical season in 2023, ending with just three tackles. He isn’t in his prime anymore but he may have another shot at a NFL roster for the rest of his career.
However, there are still a few vets on the market that can be replacements for Miller. Yannick Ngakoue and Markus Golden would be available for less than what they’re paying for the veteran. The Bills still have a solid three-man defensive rotation with Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Dawuane Smoot. Could the Buffalo keep him around? Only time can tell whether the Bills are ready to go young or stick with their veteran for the rest of his career.
AFC Contender Buffalo Bills May Shockingly Release $120 Million Veteran Von Miller
The Star Edge Rusher May Stay
The Texas A&M product may stay with the Buffalo Bills considering he’s taken a pay cut. This reduces Bill’s savings by restructuring his deal by $8.02 million for the upcoming season. Buffalo’s general manager Brandon Beane has been growing close with the veteran which could indicate he could be staying with the team for a while. He is showing his appreciation for his sacrifice and sharing praise.
“He put the team first. He wants to win,” he said. “He said that since the day he got here, and to cut it in half and go below his guarantee, I don’t know if I’ve seen a player do that. Especially someone who’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like him. So much respect for him.”
It sounds like the Bills are sticking with the veteran for the immediate future. However, he still has a chance to get back to his old self like he was with the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old compiled eight sacks, 21 tackles, two passes-defended and one forced fumble in 11 games in 2022. He would have been putting in more numbers if it weren’t for the ACL injury.
It’s hard to imagine the Bills moving on from a future Hall of Famer. However, here are some potential destinations for Miller if Buffalo cuts or trades him
Potential Destinations
The Ravens need an upgrade at the pass-rushing position even though they have Roquan Smith as their bonafide star. However, why not add Miller to the mix to help Odafe Oweh to bolster the defense? It could be a logical move and may be the missing piece to make this defense a championship team again. If any team needs a veteran, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs.
They have Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill but not one proven veteran who has experience. Yes, they were able to win a ring but their talent doesn’t match up with what Miller has to offer. The Texas A&M product would be a significant upgrade given all the years he has left in the tank. He may as well chase one more ring before his career is over.
One final fit that would make sense as well is teaming with Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina. Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace seem to be the future of the team but it doesn’t hurt to add a reliable veteran to go on a championship run. Miller was able to do this with Denver but could he do this with the Panthers as well?
