Von Miller’s one-year deal with the Washington Commanders was quietly structured, likely to avoid drawing attention to how modest it is compared to his past contracts. Despite his decorated career and undeniable talent, the financial terms reflect a step down from the elite deals he’s used to. Still, the Commanders clearly value his presence on the team.
Miller was listed as a starting outside linebacker on the team’s first official depth chart for the 2025 season. While his inclusion in the starting lineup isn’t shocking given his resume, it was an important confirmation of his role heading into the season. It also reinforces the idea that, despite a less-than-lucrative deal, he remains a key figure on defense.
Von Miller (NFL)
Von Miller Wins Starting Role, But Commanders Structure Deal to Minimize Financial Risk
He beat out Jacob Martin for the starting job, a fellow veteran who signed his own one-year contract with the Commanders worth $2.85 million. Miller’s experience and skill set gave him the edge, but competition at the position suggests the team is not handing out roles based on reputation alone.
Miller’s deal is worth $6.1 million in base salary, with up to $4.4 million more in incentives. However, only $3 million is guaranteed, and over $1 million is tied to active game-day participation. This structure indicates that while Washington believes Miller can contribute, they are protecting themselves financially in case he’s unable to stay healthy or productive.
Von Miller, the newly signed linebacker for the Washington Commanders, made a confident and spirited debut at his first press conference with the team. At 36 years old, Miller dismissed any doubts about his effectiveness as a pass rusher, asserting that rushing the quarterback remains second nature to him.
“I can still roll out of bed at 36 years old with my shoes on and rush the passer,” he said. The Commanders clearly agree with his self-assessment, offering him a one-year contract worth $6.1 million, with the potential to earn $10.5 million through incentives.
Miller Joins Commanders Seeking Super Bowl, Inspired by Jayden Daniels’ Rising Stardom
Both Miller and the Commanders share a common goal: reaching the Super Bowl. Washington hasn’t been to the big game since the 1991 season, but made it to the NFC Championship last season. Miller, who has won Super Bowls with both the Broncos and Rams, brings playoff experience and leadership to a team hungry for a title.
Despite coming off a loss in the AFC Championship with Buffalo, Miller believes Washington is built to win, citing that mentality as a key reason for joining the team. “This team is all about winning. I’m all about winning,” he emphasized.
Von Miller (NFL)
Miller chose to sign with Washington over two other interested teams. A significant factor in his decision was second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose standout rookie performance impressed the veteran linebacker.
Miller believes Daniels is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and he wanted to be part of a team with that kind of promise under center. His confidence in the Commanders’ direction aligns with his personal goals of making another Super Bowl run before retirement.
Veteran Von Miller Still Brings Quickness, Experience, and Impact in Limited Role
While Miller may be entering the later stages of his career, his skills as a pass rusher remain evident. With 129.5 career sacks, including six last season with the Bills, Miller remains a threat off the edge. Washington coach Dan Quinn praised Miller’s quickness and ability to put pressure on offensive tackles, saying, “You have it, or you don’t… It’s not hard to evaluate somebody that’s got the ability to really jump off the spot.”
Though Miller acknowledges he may not be as explosive as he was in his twenties, he insists his experience and refined technique still make him an effective defender.
Miller is expected to play a situational role in Washington’s defensive scheme, similar to how he was used in Buffalo. Although it took time to adjust to playing fewer snaps, Miller now embraces the role, comparing himself to a basketball sixth man who must make an immediate impact. “I’m coming off the bench and I’m shooting the 3 right now,” he said.
Paired with Frankie Luvu, who had a career-high eight sacks last season, Miller’s presence adds depth and veteran savvy to the pass rush. Luvu, who once studied Miller’s film in Carolina, believes his arrival brings much-needed energy to the defense in crucial moments.
A common saying among NFL agents suggests that if a player’s contract details aren’t disclosed within 24 hours of being announced, there likely isn’t much to boast about. This notion was revisited during a recent episode of #PFTPM while discussing Von Miller’s surprising decision to join the Washington Commanders. As more than two days passed with limited information available, skepticism began to grow over the strength and value of the contract.
Key Contract Details Missing, Including Guarantees and Performance-Based Bonus Triggers for Miller
Eventually, some financial details trickled in via Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Miller’s one-year deal with the Commanders reportedly has a base value of $6.1 million, with the potential to reach $10.5 million through incentives. However, the information provided was minimal and left key components undisclosed, such as how much of that base salary is guaranteed or what exact triggers are tied to the performance-based bonuses.
Von Miller (NFL)
A critical omission in the reported deal is the amount guaranteed. While a base salary often becomes guaranteed if the player makes the Week 1 roster, the absence of upfront guarantees could imply the Commanders retain flexibility to cut ties during training camp or preseason. Additionally, there’s no word on per-game roster bonuses, which are commonly used to manage injury risk or performance expectations for aging players.
Incentives Remain Unclear as Von Miller Accepts Drastic Pay Cut to Play
The $4.4 million incentive package remains vague, with no insight into what milestones Miller must hit to unlock those additional earnings. The lack of transparency makes it unclear whether these incentives are realistic or merely decorative figures meant to inflate the perceived value of the deal. This secrecy fuels further speculation about the Commanders’ confidence in Miller’s ability to contribute meaningfully in the upcoming season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the contract details, one thing is clear: Von Miller has taken a significant pay cut to continue his career. Once earning an average of $20 million annually and slated to make $17.1 million with the Bills this year, Miller is now set to make just a fraction of that in Washington.
The full picture—particularly the guaranteed money—will ultimately reveal how much financial risk the Commanders are taking and how secure Miller’s place is on the final 53-man roster.
Several high-profile NFL free agents, including veteran edge rusher Von Miller, remain unsigned as the 2025 training camps draw near. Miller, who was released by the Buffalo Bills on March 9, has expressed his desire to continue playing professionally. Despite his current free-agent status, he has not shown signs of retiring and appears eager to join a new team before the start of the season.
According to NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, who has a personal connection with Miller’s agent Joby Branion, there are reportedly three teams with significant interest in signing Miller. Branion didn’t disclose the specific teams, but Baldinger shared that Miller is optimistic about finding a new team soon.
Miller also seems to prefer avoiding training camp, which is common among seasoned veterans who are familiar with how to prepare for a season independently.
Von Miller (NFL)
Veteran Pass Rusher Still Draws Interest Despite Injuries and Declining Production in Buffalo
Miller’s release from the Bills cleared $8.4 million in salary cap space for the team. Originally signed to a massive six-year, $120 million contract in 2022, Miller’s time in Buffalo was marred by limited availability. Over three seasons, he appeared in 36 of 50 possible games and posted 14 sacks, 41 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits — numbers that, while respectable, didn’t live up to his hefty contract.
Despite the challenges in recent seasons, Miller remains a highly decorated player with a strong NFL résumé. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Super Bowl champion, credentials that still make him an attractive option for contending teams in need of a veteran pass rusher. Given his proven track record and reportedly good physical condition, it’s likely he will land with a team soon, even if it means skipping training camp.
The Buffalo Bills have decided to release veteran linebacker Von Miller, a move aimed at improving their salary cap situation. The decision will save the team $8.4 million in cap space as they look to remain competitive in the AFC while managing their finances. Although Miller’s release marks the end of his tenure with the Bills, reports suggest that both sides are open to a potential reunion in the future.
Miller had been a high-profile signing for Buffalo in 2022, with hopes of bolstering their Super Bowl aspirations. However, his time with the team was marked by injuries and off-the-field challenges, leading to an overall disappointing return on investment.
Injuries, Suspension, and Decline: Miller’s Struggles with the Buffalo Bills
Miller initially signed a massive six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills in 2022. He was expected to be a game-changing addition to Buffalo’s defense, bringing championship experience from his previous Super Bowl victories with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.
However, his impact was limited, with injuries playing a significant role in his struggles. Over three seasons, Miller played 36 out of a possible 50 games, making 11 starts—all in his first season. He recorded a total of 14 sacks, 41 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits. His tenure was also marred by an ACL injury in 2022 and a four-game suspension in 2023 due to a personal conduct policy violation.
Von Miller (NFL)
Buffalo’s decision to release Miller follows a similar pattern from last year when they moved on from key players like Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer to manage their cap space. Although Miller remained on the roster after restructuring his contract last offseason, his continued decline in production made him a candidate for release.
Despite managing six sacks in the 2024 regular season, Miller failed to make a significant impact in the playoffs, recording only one tackle in three postseason games. The Bills, now aiming to balance their books while staying competitive, saw this as the right time to cut ties with the aging pass rusher.
Von Miller’s Future: Seeking One Last Shot or Facing Retirement Decision?
Turning 36 later this month, Miller’s future in the NFL remains uncertain. While he is a surefire Hall of Famer and holds the title of Super Bowl 50 MVP, questions remain about how much he has left in the tank. He is currently the league’s active leader in career sacks, with 129.5, and is aiming to become just the 16th player in NFL history to surpass 130.
With his release, he adds some name recognition to a free-agent market that lacks star power. A return to the Denver Broncos will likely be discussed, but the team already has young talent at the position. Other pass-rush-needy teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons could also be potential fits for Miller.
Von Miller’s career has been one of dominance, highlighted by multiple Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl MVP award, and a reputation as one of the best pass rushers of his generation. However, as he enters the twilight of his career, his options may be limited to teams looking for a veteran presence in a situational role.
Whether he lands with a contender for one last shot at another Super Bowl or fades into retirement remains to be seen. Regardless of where he ends up, Miller’s legacy as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history is already secure.
Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Von Miller vehemently denied the allegations of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, asserting on Thursday that the accusations are “100 percent false” and “overblown.” Speaking to the media for the first time since the alleged incident on November 29 during the team’s bye week in suburban Dallas, Miller maintained his innocence.
Having turned himself into the Glenn Heights (Texas) Police Department on November 30, Miller faced an arrest warrant for a third-degree felony assault charge against a pregnant woman. He was subsequently booked into the DeSoto Tri-City Jail but released on $5,000 bond.
Von Miller
While acknowledging that there are certain details he cannot discuss, Miller expressed frustration with the inaccurate portrayal of the situation, stating, “Everything that was out is completely wrong and blown out of proportion.” He emphasized that, like any other couple, he and his girlfriend encounter challenges in their relationship but vehemently denied any allegations of violence.
Miller clarified, “All of it is incorrect, and all of it is untrue. The only thing that is true is we do have a third son on the way. … Everything else is untrue.” He insisted that there has never been any instance of domestic violence in their relationship, addressing the specific accusations outlined in the affidavit for the arrest warrant obtained by ESPN.
According to the affidavit, the woman, with whom Miller has been in a relationship for seven years, alleged that Miller put his hands on her neck, pulled her hair, and attempted to shove her during an argument. Miller refuted these claims, maintaining that the only truth is the impending arrival of their third child.
Police, responding to the incident, observed injuries on the woman, including minor abrasions on her left hand, bruising to her neck consistent with applied pressure, as well as bruising to her abdomen and left biceps. The Dallas Police Department has yet to provide an update on the case, deferring inquiries to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
Despite the ongoing legal process, Miller assured that he has been transparent with the Buffalo Bills, with whom he signed a six-year, $120 million contract in 2022. He stated, “I was 100 percent truthful with Brandon Beane, Coach [Sean] McDermott, and the NFL, the investigators and [Bills co-owner Terry Pegula]. I was 100 percent transparent with everything that happened that day from start to finish.” Miller continues to play for the Bills, working his way back from a right ACL surgery that occurred over a year ago. General manager Brandon Beane emphasized the team’s commitment to letting the legal process play out.
Despite the distressing allegations of domestic violence leveled against Von Miller, Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane emphasized on Wednesday that the team is committed to allowing the legal process to unfold before passing judgment. Beane expressed disappointment in the situation and acknowledged the natural inclination to distance the team from such accusations. Nevertheless, he underscored the importance of affording Miller a fair due process.
Addressing the media as the Bills returned from their bye week, Beane confirmed that Miller is expected to participate in practice and play in the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, provided there are no legal impediments. This statement comes a week after Miller turned himself into police in a Dallas suburb following a warrant issued for his arrest on charges of domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is currently pregnant.
Von Miller
Miller faces a serious charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman, carrying a potential sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He was released on a $5,000 bond after surrendering to authorities.
Expressing the team’s disappointment in the situation, Beane acknowledged the severity of the accusations but urged caution in making hasty judgments. He emphasized the need to allow the legal proceedings to unfold and stressed the importance of due process for everyone involved.
The alleged assault took place on Nov. 29 during the Bills’ bye week. According to a police affidavit, Miller is accused of assaulting the woman by twice placing his hands on her neck, pulling out a chunk of her hair, and throwing her onto a couch. The woman received treatment for minor injuries, including bruising on her neck.
Beane confirmed that he has had discussions with Miller and his representatives regarding the incident but chose to keep the details of those conversations private. He also stated that he has been in contact with the NFL and does not anticipate Commissioner Roger Goodell placing Miller on the exempt list at this time.
The NFL issued a statement on Wednesday, indicating that it is actively gathering information and monitoring legal developments. Historically, players are placed on the Reserve/Commissioner’s Exempt List only when formal charges are filed or when the league’s investigation concludes a potential violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The woman involved in the incident informed the police that she was six weeks pregnant, providing evidence in the form of a positive pregnancy test and a text conversation with Miller discussing the possible due date of the child and a doctor visit.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Miller’s status as the NFL’s active leader in sacks and his extensive accolades as a three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl pick underscore the challenging position the team faces in navigating this situation. The league will continue to gather information before deciding on any further action.
Buffalo Bills player Von Miller surrendered himself on Thursday following the issuance of an arrest warrant for an alleged assault on a pregnant woman. The Glenn Heights, Texas, Police Department, located in suburban Dallas, confirmed Miller’s surrender late in the afternoon. He faces a third-degree felony assault charge, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Miller was booked into the DeSoto Tri-City Jail on a $5,000 bond and was later released.
The Dallas Police Department had previously confirmed the warrant, first reported by WFAA in Dallas. On Wednesday at 11 a.m. CT, Dallas Police responded to a major disturbance call, revealing that Miller and the woman engaged in a verbal dispute, leading to the alleged assault.
Von Miller (Credits: KXAN)
According to the ESPN-obtained affidavit for the arrest warrant, the woman and Miller have been in a seven-year relationship and share children. The argument, initiated around 10:40 a.m. CT, revolved around travel plans. As tensions escalated, Miller became visibly angry when the woman retreated to the apartment office, slamming the door.
Miller followed her into the office, instructing her to leave. While attempting to gather her belongings, Miller allegedly pushed and shoved her, even using his phone to record the altercation. The woman repeatedly exclaimed about her pregnancy during the incident. Miller’s actions included stepping on her feet, applying pressure to her neck, throwing her phone, and damaging her laptop.
The police arrived at the condominium, finding minor abrasions on her left hand, bruising on her neck and abdomen, and injuries consistent with applied neck pressure. In a 911 call, the woman identified herself and Miller, providing evidence of her pregnancy. Despite Miller leaving before the police arrived, the woman received treatment for minor injuries, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Buffalo Bills released a statement acknowledging the incident involving Miller, stating they are gathering more information. The NFL is aware of the matter and has been in contact with the club, pledging to follow legal developments.
Miller, 34, joined the Bills in 2022 with a six-year, $120 million contract. Having played 19 games with the team, including eight this season after recovering from a right ACL injury, the Bills are currently on a bye week. Miller was previously under investigation in 2021 in Parker, Colorado, with no charges filed or publicly disclosed information regarding potential charges.
Buffalo Bills Stumble as Von Miller's Impact Falls Short in Face-Off Against Cincinnati Bengals
The Buffalo Bills recently made a significant acquisition of Von Miller with high hopes that he would serve as a game-changer. However, in their matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Miller’s performance didn’t quite live up to expectations. The Bills, currently holding a 5-4 record, suffered a 24-18 defeat at the hands of the Bengals, who are at 5-3.
In spite of their many injuries, Buffalo’s defense had a great game against Cincinnati. Still, there was a critical moment when Miller missed an important tackle. The Bengals were in a third-and-three position at this crucial point in the fourth quarter, which came at the two-minute warning. Running back Joe Mixon accepted the ball from them, and Miller was there to greet him right away. What might have been a five-yard gain instead of a tackle for a loss? Buffalo was doomed from this play because of its few timeouts.
Buffalo Bills Stumble as Von Miller’s Impact Falls Short in Face-Off Against Cincinnati Bengals (Credits: NFL)
Although the defense looked good overall, Miller accepted responsibility for the missed tackle, saying, “I have to make that tackle.” It should be noted that Miller was still recovering from a season-ending knee injury from the previous year. He played 24 snaps in the game against the Bengals while on a snap count; Cincinnati used three of those snaps as kneel-downs to end the game.
The head coach of Buffalo, Sean McDermott, has not stopped endorsing Miller and highlighting the effort he is making to get back to full strength. According to McDermott, “He’s working as hard as he possibly can. Von is Von, and he’s going to continue to work hard. He has that resume for a reason.”
The Buffalo Bills’ hopes of competing for a Super Bowl have diminished because of their difficult circumstances and present position outside of the AFC playoff picture. Von Miller needs to go back to his best sooner rather than later if they want to turn around their situation.
Von Miller, who last suited up for the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving of the previous year due to a severe ACL injury, looks set for a potential return. As the Bills get ready for their Week 5 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there’s heightened anticipation surrounding Miller’s comeback.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Miller is journeying with the team to London, England, where the Bills and Jaguars are slated to face off. The star linebacker had a promising week, returning to practice without any complications.
While Miller’s return to the playing field hasn’t been confirmed, the signs are promising. The Bills are keen on ensuring he’s fully fit for the playoffs, but given that he’s traveling to London and had a good week of practice, it seems likely he’ll make an appearance in Week 5.
Should he be given the green light, Miller’s presence would significantly boost the Bills’ prospects, not just against the Jaguars, but for the rest of the season. Buffalo inked a deal with Miller in 2022, offering a six-year contract worth $120 million. Before his injury, he showcased his worth, registering eight sacks in 11 games.
In his illustrious NFL journey, Miller boasts 561 tackles, 245 hits on quarterbacks, and 123.5 sacks over 161 matches. His accolades include eight Pro Bowl appearances, three All-Pro selections, two Super Bowl titles, and a Super Bowl MVP award.
The Bills are heading to London eyeing a victory against the Jaguars and aiming for a 4-1 season record. And when they step onto the field, there’s a real possibility that Von Miller will reinforce their defense.
Von Miller
