Los Angeles Rams star pass rusher Von Miller served notice of his impactful status as a disruptive force in the playoffs. He was a key figure in helping the NFC West franchise earn a Vince Lombardi trophy. In the postseason, Miller was a particularly difficult blocking assignment with 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 6 quarterback hits. Now, Miller heads to free agency as an unrestricted free agent with a significantly rich market awaiting him.
Miller could make as much as $20 million annually with a lower-end deal for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection coming in between $16-18 million.
Von Miller Free Agency Outlook: Rams, Chargers, Packers, Broncos among the teams interested
While there’s strong mutual interest between Miller and the Rams, sources emphasized that he’ll also explore the market once free agency begins. Per sources, among the several NFL teams holding an interest in Miller are the Los Angeles Chargers. If that happens, it would pair Miller opposite Joey Bosa and help soften the blow of the potential loss of Uchenna Nwosu in free agency.
The Packers also have shown interest but, of course, have a lot of restructures and roster cuts to work through to accommodate a Miller deal. This could all be in addition to a blockbuster contract for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a likely franchise tag for wide receiver Davante Adams.
In addition to Rodgers and Adams, the Packers are also in flux, with Za’Darius Smith expected to be released, per sources. Additionally, the NFC North franchise is working on a contract extension for Preston Smith, according to sources.
The Denver Broncos, Miller’s former team that traded him last season to the Rams, are also interested. A reunion isn’t necessarily Miller’s first choice in free agency, though, per a source.
Miller is a difference-maker
The 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year remains a difference-maker. Plenty of teams are interested in being in business with Miller once free agency opens, a former Texas A&M star and first-round draft pick.
Miller is strong, quick, and savvy. He had 9.5 sacks last season, including 5 sacks with the Rams after the trade. He now has 115.5 career sacks.
“I think he brings an element — obviously an incredibly unique football player that not only is a great pass rusher, but he’s a complete football player that can really affect and influence an offense in a negative way on all three downs,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.
McVay continued, “You can utilize him in a variety of different ways. So, you look at what it takes to be successful defensively, and it’s about affecting and influencing the quarterback, and this guy does it as well as anybody over the course of his career.”