Is Von Miller the Piece That Puts Commanders Over the Top?

One of the premier pass rushers of the 2010s has found a new home this week, and according to reports, it won’t be a costly acquisition for his new team. Edge rusher Von Miller has agreed to join the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal valued at $6.1 million, a source confirmed on Saturday. This contract also includes performance-based incentives that could raise his total earnings to as much as $10.5 million. Miller reached an agreement with the Commanders on Wednesday and is scheduled to visit their facility on Monday to complete his physical and officially sign the contract.

Washington’s veteran players are set to report to training camp on Tuesday, with their first practice following the next day. Miller will be stepping in as a seasoned force on the defensive front. This move marks the fourth NFL franchise Miller will represent in his career. He spent his first decade in the league with the Denver Broncos, playing nine consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2019, then returning briefly in the first half of the 2021 regular season. After his time with Denver, Miller concluded the 2021 season with the Los Angeles Rams and then spent the last three seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

In the most recent season, Miller recorded a solid stat line with 17 combined tackles (including 13 solo stops and four assists), seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and eight quarterback hits. However, his season was not without controversy; he was suspended for four games due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Throughout his illustrious career, Miller has garnered significant accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections during his tenure with the Broncos. He earned this honor in his first two NFL seasons (2011 and 2012) and then again for six consecutive years from 2014 through 2019.

Miller’s impact on big stages is well documented. Contrary to expectations, it was Miller who earned the Most Valuable Player award after a dominant performance. In the Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Miller recorded two forced fumbles, two quarterback hits, six combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a pass deflection—numbers that emphatically contributed to the team’s success. Miller also earned a second Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 2022. In a tightly contested 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he posted two sacks, two solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and another pass deflection, proving his consistency in crucial moments.

For the Commanders, adding Miller is a hopeful move to strengthen their pass rush, an area that showed some weakness in the previous season. Washington finished 11th in the NFL with 43 sacks but struggled late in games, registering only five sacks in the fourth quarter—a critical period when pressure on opposing quarterbacks often dictates outcomes. In fact, only two teams recorded fewer sacks in the final 15 minutes of games. This lack of late-game pass rush allowed opposing quarterbacks to achieve a high level of success, posting an overall Total QBR of 74.8 in the fourth quarter, with only three teams performing worse. With Miller’s presence, the Commanders hope to bolster their ability to disrupt offenses when it matters most and improve their late-game defensive resilience.

It may be a tall ask for a player well past his prime to make such a difference; that said, if anyone can still provide a clutch pass rush, it’s Von Miller.