The Buffalo Bills officially announced the release of Von Miller on Sunday, ending their partnership with the veteran edge rusher. The decision comes as Miller’s contract became too expensive relative to his decreasing playing time and production.
This move frees up approximately $8.4 million in salary cap space, bringing the team closer to resolving their cap situation ahead of the new NFL year, which begins Wednesday. However, a portion of Miller’s contract will still count against Buffalo’s cap, with an expected $15 million remaining on the books for this year. The Bills shared a post on social media with a picture of Miller and a message saying, “Thank You Von.”
Miller, a 14-year veteran and the NFL’s active leader in sacks, is set to turn 36 in two weeks. Last year, he avoided release by agreeing to a significant pay cut to lower his cap number. It is unclear whether similar restructuring was considered by the team this offseason.
After the Buffalo Bills were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game in January, Von Miller had shown optimism about staying with the team for a fourth season. He mentioned that while there are always ways to work things out, he was determined to remain a Bill.
“I want to be here. I don’t want to speak for them, but I think they want me here too,” Miller said. “If you want to make God laugh, start making plans. But I plan on being a Buffalo Bill for sure.”
When asked about Miller’s future during the NFL combine in Indianapolis, General Manager Brandon Beane was non-committal, stating the team was still working on its roster plans. Since then, Beane has focused on securing long-term deals for the team’s younger players, such as fourth-year edge rusher Greg Rousseau and third-year linebacker Terrel Bernard and receiver Khalil Shakir.
Von Miller, who signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills three years ago, didn’t live up to the high expectations General Manager Brandon Beane had when making the bold move to acquire him. Miller chose Buffalo over re-signing with the Los Angeles Rams after winning his second Super Bowl.
Miller showed promise in his first 10 games with the Bills in 2022, leading the team with eight sacks. However, he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Week 11, an injury that hindered his recovery throughout the following year.
In 2023, Miller failed to register a sack in 12 regular-season and two playoff games. His total of six sacks in 15 games, including the playoffs, was far from the production the team expected. His playing time was also limited, averaging just 21 1/2 snaps per game, mostly in pass-rush situations.
Additionally, Miller missed four games due to a suspension from the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy, following allegations that he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend the year prior. Although arrested, no charges were filed.
Now entering free agency for the second time in his career, Miller’s future is uncertain as he heads into his 15th season. He currently ranks 16th on the all-time sacks list with 129 1/2, just two behind Lawrence Taylor and Leslie O’Neal since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
Miller was selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and spent over a decade with the Denver Broncos, where he earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and played in two Super Bowls, including the Broncos’ victory in the 2015 season.