The overlooked benefit of Von Miller that's quietly fueling Commanders' rise

Von Miller wasted no time in making his presence felt upon signing for the Washington Commanders. And one veteran teammate highlighted another major benefit to his arrival that has gone completely overlooked.

The Commanders desperately needed more pass-rushing assistance before Week 1 against the New York Giants. Fans were becoming increasingly restless, but general manager Adam Peters had one more ace up his sleeve with Miller.

Although Miller is firmly at the tail-end of his Pro Football Hall of Fame career, he's confident he can still generate pressure consistently. It might not be from an every-down role these days, but he was productive enough for the Buffalo Bills last season to suggest there is some good football left.

Von Miller is already inspiring his new Commanders teammates to greater fortunes

Miller generated instant respect from his new teammates. That was a given, but from fellow free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw's perspective, being in the presence of legitimate greatness is inspiring him to a different level along the way.

Just being next to a great, it elevates you. I can't speak for everybody else, but I know when I'm out there next to him, it just makes me go to a different level. Just being able to learn some things from him and see how he sees the game. You understand why he's got as many sacks as he does. He's just a different dude, dynamic.Javon Kinlaw via Commanders.com

There is a new standard in Washington. Head coach Dan Quinn led a culture shift last year, and the players responded accordingly. These high standards have continued this offseason, and Miller has already added to this overall mindset positively.

Miller is one of the greatest players of the modern era. He's a three-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl MVP. With 129.5 career sacks, 171 tackles for loss, and 257 quarterback hits to his name, players like Kinlaw should be hanging on his every word.

The former No. 2 pick out of Texas A&M has no problem passing on his knowledge to others. Miller is here for one thing and one thing only: to help the Commanders win a Super Bowl in 2025. And if helping his teammates raise their performance levels gets them closer, he'll be more than willing to assist.

Kinlaw (and countless others) are already reaping the rewards of having someone like Miller to depend upon. And his mere presence is bringing more from everybody.

That's only going to help the Commanders. And if Miller has some on-field magic left, this could be yet another shrewd veteran acquisition from Peters when it's all said and done.