Insider Shares Encouraging Update for $120 Million Bills Star Amid Struggles
Buffalo Bills’ edge rusher Von Miller is showing signs of returning to his old form after struggling through the 2023 season following a torn ACL.
Last season saw Miller hit rock bottom in his career, as he failed to record a single sack across 12 games and found himself at the very end of the defensive line rotation. Despite some signs of improvement towards the end of the year and during playoffs, there were those within the organization who wondered if it might be time for Buffalo to part ways with him come 2024.
Although Miller’s future remains uncertain, Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com noted that he demonstrated significant progress during the team’s initial practices.
Von Miller gradually developing his form.
Despite Miller’s ACL tear cutting short his 2022 season, he continues to struggle with a full recovery as noted by Parrino. Nevertheless, during the team’s minicamp this week, Miller managed to deliver one of his top performances yet.
Parrino noted that Miller’s edge speed, burst and agility have not been the same since he tore his ACL during Thanksgiving in 2022. He revealed that Miller was unable to practice without wearing a knee brace all through last season but has now discarded it for this off-season training activities (OTAs). Despite wanting to play a few more seasons, there were some glimmers of hope on Tuesday when even though it wasn’t in fully padded practice conditions showing signs of improvement remain possible.
According to Parrino, Miller succeeded in achieving what he was unable to do throughout the 2023 season- penetrating into the backfield and sacking the quarterback.
According to Parrino, Miller successfully executed two sacks that day which created challenges for the experienced tackle La’el Collins. The first sack was achieved by flying off the line and easily getting past Collins towards quarterback Josh Allen resulting in a successful landing. Later on during practice, Miller won against Collins with an inside rush allowing him and Greg Rousseau to collaboratively achieve another sack at the quarterback’s expense while simultaneously Ryan Van Demark lost out against Rousseau on the opposite side of the line.
It is still possible for Bills to let go of their high-earning superstar.
There are still analysts who propose that the Bills may release Miller as a strategy to reduce future salary cap costs. Bleacher Report pointed out that following various releases and contract restructures in March, the “Bills ran out of all-in options” for creating new salary cap room, but they could potentially let go of Miller during this summer season.
According to the report, although there are not many options available for the Bills, two potential trade candidates after June 1st could help them free up some cap space. The most notable among these is Von Miller; parting ways with him would mean taking a hit of $23.3 million in dead cap money but trading him post-June 1st would yield the highest financial return and create savings worth around $8.8 million.
The Bills have parted ways with important defensive veterans, namely safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White. Additionally, Miller has consented to adjusting his contract – lowering his salary cap amount by $8.02 million for the upcoming season while incorporating performance-based bonuses into it.
Miller received recognition from Bills GM Brandon Beane for his selflessness in making a sacrifice for the betterment of the team.
“I believe Von did something that not many would have done, as he accepted less than what he was promised. Regardless of your opinion on his performance level,” stated Beane to the Buffalo News on Sunday.
