After returning from a torn ACL only to struggle through the 2023 season, Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller may finally be returning to some of his old form.
Miller sank to career lows last season, failing to register even a single sack in 12 games and falling to the bottom of the defensive line rotation. Though Miller showed flashes of strong play at the conclusion of the season and into the playoffs, some insiders questioned whether the Bills might cut ties with him ahead of the 2024 season
Despite uncertainties surrounding Miller’s future, Syracuse.com journalist Matt Parrino observed significant improvements in his performance during the early stages of the team’s practices.
In a piece titled “Von Miller Slowly Coming Into Form,” Parrino acknowledged that Miller has yet to completely recover from the ACL injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely. However, Parrino highlighted that Miller showcased one of his strongest performances to date during the team’s recent minicamp.
Von Miller Slowly Coming Into Form
“The speed, burst, and bend off the edge is something that just hasn’t looked the same for Miller since he tore his ACL back on Thanksgiving in 2022,” Parrino wrote. “He said he couldn’t practice last season without a knee brace, which he’s discarded this offseason and during OTAs. Miller still wants to play a few more seasons, and he showed some signs on Tuesday – albeit in a non-padded practice – that it could be possible.”
Parrino added that Miller was able to accomplish a feat that eluded him all of the 2023 season — getting into the backfield to sack the quarterback.
“Miller secured two sacks during the session, causing headaches for seasoned tackle La’el Collins,” Parrino detailed. “He swiftly maneuvered past Collins along the edge, reaching quarterback Josh Allen for a sack. Later, Miller outmatched Collins with an inside rush, joining Greg Rousseau to sack the quarterback again. Rousseau succeeded against Ryan Van Demark on the opposite side of the line.”
There’s ongoing speculation about the possibility of the Bills releasing Miller, potentially to alleviate salary cap constraints. Bleacher Report highlighted that despite previous efforts to free up cap space through releases and contract adjustments in March, the Bills might still opt to part ways with Miller during the upcoming summer period.
One of Von Miller’s most complete rushes of the season. pic.twitter.com/TJFVfYqaGy
— Erik Turner Cover 1 (@ErikJTurner) January 19, 2024
“There aren’t a ton of levers for the Bills to pull, but there are two post-June 1 trade candidates who could create some cap space,” the report noted. “Von Miller is the most significant. Parting with him would require eating $23.3 million in dead cap, but trading him after June 1 would offer the best cap savings return. They could clear $8.8 million.”
The Bills already cut ties with some key veterans on defense, releasing safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White. Miller also agreed to restructure his contract and reduce his salary cap number by $8.02 million for the coming season, adding incentives based on his play.
“Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed admiration for Miller’s selfless gesture on behalf of the team.
“I believe Von made a decision that not many would have made, as he accepted a lower compensation than what was initially guaranteed. Regardless of opinions on his performance level, it’s commendable,” Beane stated via the Buffalo News on Sunday.”
