The Washington Commanders are making a significant move in the offseason, signing veteran defensive end Von Miller to enhance their pass rush and fortify their defensive performances in crucial moments. This addition signals the team’s intent to ramp up their competitive edge as they move forward.
Miller, who showcased his new Washington jersey on Instagram, is not just a name; he’s a force in the league. With 129.5 career sacks, he stands at 16th on the all-time list. The deal, which is reportedly a one-year contract subject to passing a physical, is poised to bring his wealth of experience to the Commanders’ defensive front.
At 36 years old, Miller comes off three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he generated a total of 14 sacks—demonstrating his continuing effectiveness as a pass rusher. Washington is likely hoping for a repeat of his impact from the 2021 season when he was pivotal in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl triumph after being acquired mid-season. In that year, he notched five sacks over the regular season’s final stretch and added four more during the playoffs, proving to be the game-changer they needed.
The early years of Miller’s career with the Denver Broncos were particularly impressive, as he amassed 110.5 sacks, earned seven All-Pro selections—including three first-team nods—and made eight Pro Bowl appearances, with his last being in 2019. Notably, he was named the MVP of Super Bowl 50, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite pass rushers.
For general manager Adam Peters, this signing also holds a personal note, as he was part of the Broncos’ organization when they selected Miller in the first round of the 2011 draft before heading to the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
Last season, the Commanders’ pass rush put up solid numbers with 43 sacks, ranking 11th in the NFL. However, they faced challenges in pressure situations, notably ranking 26th in four-man rush scenarios and a concerning 30th in fourth-quarter sacks, managing just five. This has led to quarterbacks enjoying a QBR of 74.8 in those crucial moments—a statistic the Commanders will want to improve as they aim for late-game dominance.
In their search for additional pass-rushing talent, the Commanders evaluated several players in free agency, including notables like DeMarcus Lawrence and Joey Bosa. Although they eventually opted to bolster other areas initially—selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round and cornerback Trey Amos in the second—the focus has clearly shifted back to enhancing their defensive capabilities.
As part of their offseason strategy, Washington also brought in several veteran linemen, including Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin, to complement their existing roster. The emergence of linebacker Frankie Luvu, who earned second-team All-Pro honors after registering a career-best eight sacks last season, adds further depth to their front seven.
Miller’s exit from Buffalo came after the Bills released him, providing them with $8.4 million in cap space. With his past contract making him one of the highest cap hits, the decision was necessary for the Bills. While his stint in Buffalo had its ups and downs, including a significant ACL injury and a challenging personal situation, Miller remains a player with a track record of excellence when healthy.
For the Commanders, the acquisition of Von Miller could be a pivotal move as they strive for a more formidable defense that can make plays when it matters most. His experience, combined with the young and emerging talent around him, creates an exciting narrative as Washington gears up for the upcoming season.
