Von Miller is one of the greatest players of his generation, but the Buffalo Bills could release the future Hall of Famer if he doesn’t agree to a pay cut. Signed to a six-year, $120 million deal in 2022, the Bills paid him to be a superstar, and the aging Miller hasn’t been able to justify that investment. Last year, the veteran finished the season with six sacks, 17 tackles, seven tackles-f0r-loss, and eight quarterback hits, but didn’t record a single start and only played in a third of the defensive snaps.
Von Miller is nothing more than a situational player at this point in his career, which is why NFL Network’s Matt Okada believes the Bills could release the one-time 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.”
Report: Buffalo Bills Could Release Von Miller
Von Miller knows he won’t receive this type of contract on the open market, so perhaps the two sides agree to a pay cut before the Bills release him. However, in the likely event the two sides cannot compromise on a deal, the pass rusher will be a free agent for the first time since 2022. As mentioned above, Miller is still productive in a situational role, and teams could always use reliable pass rushers in today’s pass-heavy NFL. While he may not be the player he once was, the following three teams could pursue Miller on the open market.
Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have spent the past few years unsuccessfully trying to find an adequate pass-rushing partner for edge defender George Karlaftis. 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah has done nothing to shake the ‘bust’ label, while former Patriot Josh Uche couldn’t scratch the active roster during his abbreviated time with the team. Von Miller might not be a spring chicken, but the 13-year veteran is perfect for a win-now team like Kansas City. He doesn’t have another 2015 playoff run in him, but he will increase the team’s chances of winning it all.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have one of the league’s elite pass rushers in former first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson. Unfortunately, they don’t have much else, as the rest of the depth chart is comprised of unremarkable veterans and untested youngsters. Detroit’s defense will probably take a step back without former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, so the team must offset that loss of coaching talent with an influx of on-field abilities. Opposing offenses will pass early and often to keep up with Detroit’s high-octane offense, so Miller should see plenty of opportunities as a pass rusher.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are not on the same level as the Chiefs and Lions, but they could be a solid fit for Von Miller if and when the Bills release him. The Panthers successfully rebuilt their offense in 2024, surrounding franchise quarterback Bryce Young with the necessary talent to succeed. Now, it’s time to turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers need multiple pass rushers, and while Miller wouldn’t singlehandedly fix the position, he should come cheap and could help young draft picks adjust to life in the NFL.
