Von Miller is set to become a free agent for the first time in his NFL career as he comes out of the 2021 season with his second Super Bowl ring. Despite three less productive and injury-affected seasons, Miller comes in at No. 8 on PFN’s Top 75 Free Agents. What might Miller’s market look like as a free agent this offseason, some predictions, and where are his potential landing spots in 2022?
Predictions for free agent Von Miller
Miller heads into 2022 free agency in an intriguing situation. After registering double-digit sacks in all but one year between 2011 and 2018, he has now gone three years without achieving the feat.
Despite just missing out on double-digit sacks in 2021, the season was crucial as Miller demonstrated he had recovered from his knee injury suffered in 2020. He then had 4 sacks in the playoffs, including 2 in the Super Bowl, as the Rams won it all.
Trying to project Miller’s value this offseason is tough. After J.J. Watt commanded $14 million last offseason, Miller should certainly be able to match that and even exceed it if he wanted to.
Spotrac currently has Miller’s market value at $10.5 million per year across a two-year deal. While that feels somewhat light, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Miller take slightly less if it allows him to compete for a Super Bowl again in the next two seasons.
Miller’s best landing spots
At this point in his career, it’s tough to know what Miller might be looking for. With two Super Bowl rings already, could he go searching for one final payday? Alternatively, he could make history if he could win a Super Bowl with a third franchise.
As Josina Anderson pointed out, no player in NFL history has done that. Miller now has the ideal opportunity to pick his spot in an effort to go and do exactly that. However, Miller has also teased on Instagram a potential return to both the Rams and Broncos and several teams are likely to be in play.
Denver Broncos
Update: The Broncos signed pass rusher Randy Gregory to a five-year deal
Miller had a lot of success with the Broncos, and they are now in a position to go and chase a title again in 2022. The trade for Russell Wilson has put the Broncos right in the window as potential Super Bowl contenders this season. Despite adding Wilson, the Broncos still have more than $20 million in cap space heading into the new league year. That is plenty of space to make key additions.
The two areas of the Broncos’ defense they may look to improve are their pass rush and cornerbacks. Miller would instantly solve the pass-rush situation. He would be the focal point of the unit and allow the young players opposite him the opportunity to flourish.
Green Bay Packers
With confirmation that Aaron Rodgers is returning to Green Bay, this became a very real possibility for Miller. Cap space is an issue for the Packers, and they’ve made many moves to address it this offseason. However, if it’s about history for Miller, there may be no better location to go and try to make it than in Green Bay this season.
Los Angeles Rams
There has been no shortage of reports regarding the Rams’ interest in bringing Miller back. He was a key part of their Super Bowl victory and could definitely play a big role in 2022. Those reports have indicated that Miller has a mutual interest in playing for the Rams, but he wants to see what the free agent market holds for him first.
If the market he hopes for does not develop, or the situations are not what he is looking for, a return to the Rams would certainly be logical for both sides. The Rams have proven adept at making salary cap adjustments to fit key players in, and Miller has a chance to chase back-to-back Super Bowl rings.
Miami Dolphins
Update: The Miami Dolphins re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah on a four-year deal
The Dolphins really sit in a delicate situation entering this offseason. They have narrowly missed the playoffs in each of the last two years, and there are question marks around their young QB. However, they are entering Year 3 of Tua Tagovailoa’s rookie contract, and if they are going to try and capitalize on that cheap deal, now is the time to do it.
Miller would provide an instant upgrade to a Dolphins’ pass rush that is set to lose Emmanuel Ogbah in free agency. The Dolphins could be the perfect combination of a fringe Super Bowl challenger who also has the cap space to give Miller a contract with an AAV north of $15 million a year.