Von Miller, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s active sacks leader, has taken a decisive step in his career by signing a one-year, $6.1 million contract with the Washington Commanders just before the start of training camp. After being released by the Buffalo Bills, Miller aims to add another Super Bowl ring and cited clear reasons for choosing the Commanders over other interested teams.
The Quarterback Factor Behind Miller’s Decision
Miller revealed in an interview with the Washington Post that his choice was heavily influenced by the team’s quarterback situation. He described the Commanders as
“the best team with the best quarterback,”
emphasizing how crucial a strong quarterback is to his own success on the field. Miller drew a personal comparison between his former quarterback and his new one, saying,
“You can’t leave Josh Allen and just go anywhere.”
He likened moving on to leaving an old relationship without a good replacement, noting that Allen was the league MVP last year but that Jayden Daniels “has MVP potential as well.”
Miller’s Expected Role in Washington’s Defensive Lineup
Joining a defense already strengthened by stars like middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, with 132 tackles, outside linebacker Frankie Luvu’s 99 tackles and eight sacks, and defensive lineman Daron Payne’s 42 tackles and four sacks, Miller is expected to focus more on specialist pass-rushing than being on the field every down. His role will center on key third-down situations where his aggressive style can disrupt opponents.
The Offensive Appeal: Jayden Daniels’ Breakout Season
The Commanders’ offense, which played a major part in Miller’s decision, is led by Jayden Daniels, who had a remarkable 2024 season. Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, orchestrating four fourth-quarter comebacks. He propelled Washington to 12 regular-season victories, a playoff win at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions, and ultimately to their first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991-92 season.
Von Miller’s Journey and Longstanding NFL Impact
Miller began his stellar career with the Denver Broncos in 2011, quickly establishing himself as a dominant defensive force. Between 2011 and 2019, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was named to the first or second-team All-Pro seven times. His legacy includes being the MVP of Super Bowl 50, where he recorded 2.5 sacks while relentlessly pressuring NFL MVP Cam Newton, though the Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning took home the glory of the win.
Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams partway through the 2021 season, adding five sacks for the team and strong performances in the postseason. He made history by joining Justin Tuck as one of the only players to record multiple sacks in multiple Super Bowls, delivering two sacks in Super Bowl LVI. After signing a six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, Miller’s momentum was halted by a torn ACL suffered on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions, limiting him to just six sacks since the injury.
The Calculated Risk Behind Joining the Commanders
Von Miller’s move to Washington reflects a strategic decision to bet on both his recovery and the team’s potential as a genuine contender. His commitment to the Commanders underscores a desire to leverage the momentum of a rising quarterback and a promising defense in hopes of capturing another championship. This partnership could redefine not only Miller’s career legacy but also the Commanders’ trajectory in the coming NFL season.
“It was the best team with the best quarterback,” —Von Miller
“That’s usually the math for me to be able to go and do what I do.” —Von Miller
“You can’t leave Josh Allen and just go anywhere,” —Von Miller
“You can’t leave your old girlfriend and just go with just anybody. Josh Allen was MVP of the league last year. I feel like Jayden Daniels has MVP potential as well.” —Von Miller
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Von Miller wear glasses?
A. Miller mentioned he began wearing glasses in the second grade and has always experienced issues with his vision.
Q. Did Von Miller have surgery?
A. The doctors determined that the knee was too unstable and required a complete repair, according to Beane. As a result, Miller had ACL surgery on Tuesday afternoon and will not play for the rest of the Bills’ season.
Q. What surgery did Von Miller have?
A. Doctors first believed the injury was minor and would heal in a few weeks. However, Von had surgery in December 2022 to fix a partially torn ACL, the same knee injured in the 2013 NFL season.
Q. What did Von Miller have surgery on?
A. The Bills stated on Wednesday that Miller’s season has ended. This announcement followed his surgery in Texas. General manager Brandon Beane explained that the operation was to fix a “mostly to fully torn” ACL. Beane mentioned that it was a complete ACL repair and expressed confidence in Miller returning to play in 2023.