The Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller may finally be regaining some of his previous form after struggling through the 2023 season after his return from a torn ACL.
Miller had a career-low season last year, finishing the season with only one sack in 12 games and descending the defensive line rotation. Even though Miller had some impressive plays toward the end of the season and throughout the playoffs, some insiders wondered if the Bills would cut him before the 2024 campaign.
Although Miller’s future may still be in doubt, Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com stated that he made noticeable progress during the team’s early sessions.
Von Miller Is Forming Gradually
Parrino pointed out that although Miller had one of his best performances to date during the team’s minicamp this week, he is still not entirely recovered from the ACL tear that ended his 2022 season.
Since he tore his ACL back on Thanksgiving in 2022, Miller’s quickness, burst, and bend off the edge haven’t looked the same, according to Parrino. “He stated he had to wear a knee brace during practice the previous season, but he removed it this offseason and during OTAs. Miller expressed his desire to continue playing for a few more seasons on Tuesday, even though it was an unpadded session.
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 had two sacks on the day, making life difficult for veteran tackle La’el Collins,” Parrino wrote. “He flew off the edge and blew by Collins on his way to landing for a sack on quarterback Josh Allen. Then, later in practice, Miller won on an inside rush against Collins and joined Greg Rousseau at the quarterback for another sack. Rousseau beat Ryan Van Demark on the other side of the line.”
Bills Could Still Release Big-Money Star
Some analysts still suggest that the Bills could release Miller in a move that would save salary cap down the line. Bleacher Report noted that the “Bills ran out of all-in options” to make new salary cap space after a series of releases and contract restructures in March, but could still get rid of Miller at some point this summer.
“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 shared praise for Miller and his willingness to make a sacrifice on behalf of the team.
“I thought Von did something I don’t know that many people would’ve done, because he took less than what he was guaranteed, and say what you want, whether you thought he’s performed to the level or not,” Beane said Sunday, via the Buffalo News.
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