The Buffalo Bills, facing financial constraints, could part ways with star pass rusher Von Miller in the coming weeks if he refuses to take a pay cut, according to one NFL insider. Despite being one of the greatest defensive players of his generation, the aging Miller has struggled to justify his hefty contract.
Signed to a six-year, $120 million deal in 2022, Miller was expected to be a defensive cornerstone. However, his production has declined, and last season he managed just six sacks, 17 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits. He didn’t start a single game and played only a third of the team’s defensive snaps.
Bills Weighing Tough Decision on Miller
At this stage in his career, Miller is primarily a situational pass rusher. NFL Network’s Matt Okada suggests that the Bills may decide to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.
“Miller had just 14 sacks in three seasons with the Bills, played roughly one-third of the defensive snaps in 2024, and turns 36 years old on March 26. While he can be a useful situational pass rusher, that kind of usage does not justify his $23.8 million cap number next season,” Okada noted.
Miller is unlikely to command a similar contract elsewhere, so a pay cut could be an option. However, if no agreement is reached, the veteran pass rusher would hit free agency for the first time since 2022. Despite his decline, Miller could still be an asset to a team in need of a reliable rotational pass rusher.
Potential Landing Spots for Von Miller
If the Bills move on from Miller, several teams could be interested in adding the experienced edge rusher.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent pass-rushing partner for George Karlaftis. With former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah failing to impress and Josh Uche unable to crack the roster, Miller could be a valuable addition for a team looking to defend its Super Bowl title.
Detroit Lions
While the Lions boast a premier pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, they lack depth behind him. With former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departing, Detroit’s defense may take a step back unless they bolster their front seven. Given how often opponents will be forced to throw against the Lions’ high-powered offense, Miller could see plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may not be contenders yet, but they could be an intriguing landing spot for Miller. With Carolina revamping its offense around young quarterback Bryce Young, the team now needs to focus on upgrading its defense. While Miller wouldn’t be a long-term fix, he could provide veteran leadership and help mentor young pass rushers.
If the Bills and Miller can’t reach a compromise, the veteran edge rusher could soon find himself looking for a new home in the NFL.
