Report : Bills Could Part Ways With $120 Million Star After Career-Worst Season.
After enduring a torn ACL, Von Miller from the Buffalo Bills struggled significantly to make his comeback last season. He had trouble keeping up with others in the defensive line rotation and couldn’t manage to record any sacks throughout his 12 games of playtime.
A recent report proposes that the Bills may release their $120 million star player as a means of cutting costs and giving younger players on the team an opportunity for more significant roles. According to Bleacher Report, despite strategic releases and contract restructures, the team has exhausted all cap space options except parting ways with Miller which could be another viable option.
Releasing star player would result in a clearance of $8.8 million in bills.
The report acknowledged that during this offseason, the Bills made some significant moves to save on their salary cap. These include trading Stefon Diggs and letting go of several veterans such as safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
According to the report, while there aren’t many options available for the Bills, they do have two trade candidates post-June 1 who could help them create some cap space. Von Miller is considered as one of the most significant players in this regard; however, letting him go would entail absorbing a $23.3 million dead cap hit but trading after June 1 would provide more savings at $8.8 million cleared from their salary caps.
The report indicated that Miller might either be traded or let go, with the suggestion being that it would not solely be a financial decision. Should they choose to release him, the Bills could provide greater playtime for those players who made a bigger impact on-field in 2023 and aim to acquire more new signings through free agency.
In 2023, Miller’s statistics for the season were at their lowest point in his career as he only managed to make three total tackles by year-end.
According to the report, Miller, aged 35, did not start for the Bills in their previous season and failed to record even a single sack. However, it was mentioned that they still have a dependable trio of players including Greg Rousseau, A.J Epenesa and Dawuane Smoot. In addition to them, there are some more experienced players like Yannick Ngakoue and Markus Golden who could be signed for less than $8.8 million if needed.
Von Miller has already agreed to a reduction in his salary.
Miller’s contract has already brought about some savings for the Bills as his salary cap number was reduced by $8.02 million for the upcoming season. Brandon Beane, general manager of the Bills and a close friend to Miller who believes in his potential to become a successful general manager someday, commended him on being an exceptional edge rusher and making sacrifices for the team.
“I believe Von did something that not many people would have done by accepting less than what was promised to him, regardless of whether you think he has met expectations or not,” Beane stated on Sunday as reported in the Buffalo News.
Before the contract restructuring, Beane had talked with Miller and learned that he was willing to do whatever it takes to assist the team in achieving victory.
Beane stated that the player prioritized the team’s success and had a strong desire to win. From his arrival, he expressed this sentiment and displayed an exceptional act of sacrifice by agreeing to reduce their guaranteed salary. Beane remarked that such selflessness is rare in players at Hall of Fame caliber, making him highly respected.
