Von Miller, a Buffalo Bills edge rusher, struggled to recover from a ruptured ACL last season, dropping to the bottom of the defensive line rotation and failing to earn a single sack in 12 games.
According to a source, the Bills may part ways with the $120 million star in a cost-cutting move that would also allow the team’s younger players to take on larger roles. According to Bleacher Report, the “Bills ran out of all-in options” to create cap space following a series of strategic releases and contract restructures, but they may still make extra room by parting ways with Miller.
Bills Would Clear $8.8 Million By Releasing Star
According to the source, the Bills have already made significant salary savings this summer, moving Stefon Diggs and releasing a number of veterans, including safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
“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 stated. “Von Miller is the most important.” Parting with him would cost $23.3 million in dead capital, but moving him after June 1 would provide the largest cap savings return. They could net $8.8 million.”
The report stated that the Bills might trade or release Miller, implying that it would be more than just a financial decision. By releasing Miller, the Bills will be able to provide more snaps to guys who made a greater impact on the field in 2023 while also looking to free agency for fresh signings.
Miller had a career-worst statistical season in 2023, finishing with three total tackles.
“Miller, 35, was no longer a starter for the Bills last season and didn’t register a single sack,” according to the article. “They’d still have a solid three-man rotation of Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Dawuane Smoot.” There are a few more veterans on the market, like Yannick Ngakoue and Markus Golden, who would be available for less than $8.8 million.
Von Miller Already Agreed to Pay Cut
The Bills have already saved some money on Miller’s contract, lowering his salary cap figure by $8.02 million for the coming season. Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who has grown close to Miller and backed his ambitions to become a general manager one day, expressed gratitude for the edge rusher’s sacrifice.
“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 told the Buffalo News on Sunday.
Beane said that he spoke with Miller prior to the deal renegotiation, and the edge rusher was prepared to go above and beyond to help the team win.
“He ranked the team #1. “He wants to win,” Beane explained. “He said that since the day he arrived, and to basically cut it in half and go below his guarantee, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player do that, especially someone who will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like him.” “I have so much respect for him.”Beane said that he spoke with Miller prior to the deal renegotiation, and the edge rusher was prepared to go above and beyond to help the team win.
“He ranked the team #1. “He wants to win,” Beane explained. “He said that since the day he arrived, and to basically cut it in half and go below his guarantee, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player do that, especially someone who will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like him.” “I have so much respect for him.”
