The Washington Commanders decided to bring in some much-needed pass rush help before training camp by adding future Hall of Famer Von Miller and as we've learned, the contract is very favorable for both parties.
The longing question that Washington fans have had regarding who would get after opposing QBs was finally answered and now it's time to see the actual results. There's a good chance Miller will outproduce expectations in Washington thanks to his contract incentives.
Money talks and brings results
Washington signed Miller to a one-year, $6.1 million deal that's worth up to $10.5 million, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. While Miller's injury history brings a lot of questions, it's a salary that makes sense for the Commanders. If he hits the incentives, well, that means nothing but good things for Dan Quinn and Co.
A $4.4 million increase is plenty of motivation to produce, hit those incentive marks, and cash out after the season. Nobody knows the exact details of the incentives listed in his contract just yet, but everyone knows that a pass rusher gets paid off of his sack production.
Miller has made a career of massive contracts, and showed last season that he can still stack up stats in the backfield with six sacks and added 32 total pressures as well.
This is likely Miller's last year before he retires, and his last chance to rack up more money, and become the first defensive player in NFL history to earn $200M in career earnings.
How this impacts Terry McLaurin's contract
The biggest question asked anytime Washington signs a new player is, "How does that impact McLaurin's deal?"
The answer in this case is: it helps. Signing Miller means Washington passed up on a handful of other free agents still available that would've cost more such as Za'Darius Smith or Matt Judon, and they are now free of all rumors of trading for Trey Hendrickson.
If Adam Peters was ever hesitant on signing McLaurin to a massive deal due to the players available to help the pass rushing situation, this signing clears all of those hurdles. Washington doesn't need to sign anyone else except McLaurin now.
This also helps Peters protect the financial future of the team moving forward as he revamps the roster. Instead of trading for someone like Henderickson or TJ Watt this offseason and paying them record-breaking deals, he's leaving the window open for McLaurin and other contract situations coming after the season, and still adrressing a big need with Miller.
Peters will have contract decisions to make with Marshon Lattimore, Laremy Tunsil, and Deebo Samuel after the season, and this frees up any financial burdens causing a backslide in the rebuilding process.
Washington found a way to bring in a proven all-time great in Miller to help the defense, while also keeping its finances in a healthy standing moving forward. Now it's time to see Miller use the motivation to earn more money, and chase a final ring.
