Buffalo Bills Release Von Miller: A Surprising Move with Financial Implications
BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, the Buffalo Bills have decided to release their star pass rusher, Von Miller, just ahead of the league year. This decision, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is a strategic one aimed at opening up $8.4 million in cap space, a crucial move as the team works to get under the cap before the league year kicks off on Wednesday.
While the release of Miller, who will turn 36 on March 26, might seem like a definitive end to his time with the Bills, sources indicate that the team is open to bringing him back. However, this decision does come with a financial burden, as it results in $15.4 million in dead cap for this year. Miller was originally under contract through 2027, making this a significant shift in the team’s financial planning.
The timing of this move is particularly interesting as it follows the Bills’ recent decision to sign defensive end Greg Rousseau to a four-year extension. This extension, valued at $80 million with $54 million guaranteed, suggests a shift in the team’s defensive strategy and priorities.
Von Miller’s journey with the Bills has been a rollercoaster. He initially joined the team in the 2022 offseason with a six-year deal worth $120 million. His start was promising, with eight sacks in 11 games, but a major right ACL injury on Thanksgiving 2022 derailed his momentum. Reflecting on his decision to play in 2023, Miller admitted during the 2024 training camp that he “probably should not have played” due to the injury. His performance in 2023 was underwhelming, with zero sacks and only three tackles in 12 games.
In an effort to help the team, Miller restructured his contract last offseason, taking a pay cut that saved the Bills $8.645 million in cap space. General manager Brandon Beane expressed his admiration for Miller’s selflessness, stating at the NFL scouting combine, “Last year at this time, we were working on a restructure for him, and he did something unprecedented… He took a pay cut below his actual guarantee. And you’re talking about a first-ballot Hall of Famer that did that. So, a lot of respect for what he did to come back and try and help us chase this trophy. And I thought as the year went on, he continued to show that he could still play.”
However, Miller’s time with the Bills was also marred by off-field issues. He was suspended for four games due to violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, missing Weeks 5-8. This suspension stemmed from allegations of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend in suburban Dallas during the Bills’ bye week in 2023. Although he turned himself in to the police and was released on bond, the case was later closed without charges being filed. The NFL conducted its own investigation into the matter.
Despite these challenges, Miller had a solid season in 2024, contributing six regular season sacks as part of the team’s defensive line rotation. His career, which began when he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011, has been illustrious. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year and recorded 110 sacks in 10 seasons with Denver. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first team All-Pro, Miller has amassed 129.5 sacks over 14 NFL seasons. He has also won Super Bowls with the Broncos (2015) and Los Angeles Rams (2021), with nine sacks combined during those two postseasons.
- Von Miller’s release opens up $8.4 million in cap space for the Bills.
- The move results in $15.4 million in dead cap for this year.
- Miller’s contract was originally set to run through 2027.
- The Bills recently extended Greg Rousseau’s contract for four years, worth $80 million.
- Miller has 129.5 sacks in 14 NFL seasons and is a two-time Super Bowl champion.
As the NFL community digests this news, the question remains: What will Von Miller’s next move be? Will he return to the Bills, or will another team seize the opportunity to add a seasoned pass rusher to their roster? Only time will tell.
Originally Written by: ESPN
