The Buffalo Bills are coming fresh off an AFC Championship appearance, a game that they lost by just three points. The week prior, the Bills narrowly escaped with a Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens, a game they won by just two points.
The team whose season they spoiled – the Ravens – might be adding a former Bill in free agency.
The Bills inked future Hall-of-Fame linebacker Von Miller to a six-year, $120 million contract in 2022, and after three underwhelming, injury riddled seasons with the Bills, Miller finds himself back on the open market.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller (40) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jarrett Bailey wrote an article predicting free agents the Ravens could land, Miller was among the top names.
“It’s been talked about plenty, but the Ravens and adding veteran defenders — specifically in the front seven — is something they are known for doing,” Bailey wrote. “You don’t want Miller as a three-down player at this stage of his career, but utilizing him like a closer in baseball in the biggest moments of the game could prove to be beneficial.” Bailey wrote.
Miller was primarily deployed as a third-down and specialist edge rusher with the Bills, his healthy and stamina posed big concerns about his validity as an every-down player at this stage of his career.
In 13 games last season, Miller had six sacks – tied for the second most on the Bills. Miller had just 17 tackles total on the season, seven of which came for loss. He paired that with eight quarterback hits, and on a per-down basis had solid output. But given the price tag, he wasn’t worth holding on for Buffalo.
Miller is entering his age-36 season, and upon retirement is surely headed for Canton. Miller is an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro first-team selection, and the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year.
Miller has also won two Super Bowls, winning the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl 50. Miller was also named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team.
Before he embarks on retirement, however, Miller is searching for his fourth NFL team, and if the Ravens are the winners of the Miller sweepstakes, the Bills are likely to see him come playoff time.
