The Buffalo Bills are reportedly nearing the decision to part ways with veteran pass-rusher Von Miller and his hefty $120 million contract.
The big-ticket acquisition in 2022, which came as Miller, a Dallas-area native, expressed willingness to take a pay cut to join the Cowboys, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.
Despite the disappointment in Buffalo, Bills head coach Sean McDermott continues to have great respect for Miller, who remains a likely future Hall of Famer.
McDermott expressed his admiration for the veteran’s mindset during a recent appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Love Von,” McDermott said. “The thing I love about Von is he very rarely, if ever, used kind of the ‘victim role’ approach. He always was, ‘Hey, I’m coming back. I’m going to be back. I’m working on it.’
“Mentally, he’s just so elite. To come off a knee injury, particularly when you’re 30-plus, is a challenge.”
Indeed, Miller, who turns 36 in March, finished the 2024 season with six sacks in 13 games.
Despite his solid performance, he played the 18th-most defensive snaps – an indication that the Bills have used him primarily as a spot-player.
Now, with Miller and his expensive contract potentially on the chopping block, rumors of a possible reunion with his hometown Cowboys are starting to gain traction.
A potential post-June 1 release of Miller could save Buffalo approximately $11 million in cap space, making the move appear increasingly likely.
“We’re still working through all that,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “Von last year at this time, we were working on a restructure with him, and he did something unprecedented.
“He was guaranteed 10 or 11 (million dollars) and 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 as the year went on, he showed he can still play.”
Now, the question is whether the Cowboys should take a closer look at Miller as a potential addition. Despite his age, could he be the dream fit they’ve been searching for?
Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, was once a feared pass rusher capable of threatening double-digit sack totals every season.
However, with the Cowboys looking to balance talent and cap space, it’s unclear whether they will prioritize signing a name like Miller, or focus on players who better fit their financial constraints.
Miller has expressed in the past that he’d be willing to take less money to play in Dallas, a sentiment that could tempt the Cowboys.
But the question remains: Would it be wise for Dallas to take him up on that offer, and if so, how much less would he truly be willing to accept?
Clearly, some major decisions need to be made.
When it’s all said and done, where do you think Miller will be playing next season? … Should the Cowboys make a run at him???
