Von Miller, 32, remains one of the top pass rushers in the game and is the eighth-ranked overall free agent on Pro Football Network’s Top 50 Free Agents list. What kind of contract could Miller see in free agency, and what are his notable stats and accolades?
Von Miller: Free Agency Overview
Players that hit the quarterback as often as Miller can are major free agent commodities. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year remains a difference-maker. Plenty of teams are interested in being in business with Miller, a former Texas A&M star and first-round draft pick.
Recapping Miller’s 2021 season
Traded to the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams from the Denver Broncos, the former Super Bowl MVP made an impact on his new team. Miller helped them win a championship with his unique abilities as an edge pass rusher.
Miller is strong, quick, and savvy. He had 9.5 combined sacks last season, including 5 sacks with the Rams after the trade. He now has 115.5 career sacks. In the playoffs, Miller was particularly impactful with 4 sacks, 6 tackles for losses, and 6 quarterback hits.
Miller’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Miller is expected to have a healthy free agent market. The Rams could potentially lose both Miller and fellow edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo in free agency. If that happens, the Rams will still have Leonard Floyd on the roster, plus reserves like Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, and Chris Garrett.
Miller could command $11-14 million annually based on most logical projections of his market value. Although he’s expected to explore the free agent market fully, a return to Los Angeles hasn’t been ruled out.
Possible landing spots for Miller
The market for Miller is likely similar to veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones’ free agent market. Can we rule out a reunion with the Denver Broncos? Probably not. However, the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars make sense for Miller as they each could use a top-echelon edge player.
What they’re saying about Miller
“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. 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.” — Rams head coach Sean McVay on Miller’s impact