After their worst season ever, the Bills may part ways with the $120 million star: Report
Von Miller, an edge rusher for the Buffalo Bills, had a difficult time making a comeback from a torn ACL injury the previous season. He dropped to the bottom of the defensive line rotation and did not record a single sack in 12 games.
According to a report, the Bills may decide to cut their losses and let the team’s younger players take on more responsibility by moving on from the $120 million star. After a series of calculated releases and contract restructures, Bleacher Report reported that the “Bills ran out of all-in options” to create cap space, though they could still find more room by cutting ties with Miller.
By releasing Star, Bills would clear $8.8 million.
According to the report, the Bills have already made a number of significant cap-saving moves this offseason, including the trade of Stefon Diggs and the release of several veterans, such as safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
NFL NFL @NFL· Follow Bills as they prepare to cut CB Tre’Davious White. (through @RapSheet)
4:39 PM · March 6, 2024 10690 Answer
The report stated, “The Bills don’t have many options, but there are two trade candidates after June 1 who could free up some cap space.” The biggest one is Von Miller. Trading him after June 1 would yield the best return on cap savings, but parting with him would require eating $23.3 million in dead cap. They have $8.8 million to spare.
The report hinted that Miller’s potential trade or release by the Bills would involve more than just a financial decision. By releasing Miller, the Bills would be able to look to free agency for more additions while also providing more playing time to the players who made a bigger impact on the field in 2023.
Miller finished 2023 with just three total tackles, having had a career-worst statistical season.
The report stated that Miller, 35, did not register a single sack and was no longer a starter for the Bills in the previous season. “They would still use Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Dawuane Smoot in a strong three-man rotation.” A few more veterans, like Markus Golden and Yannick Ngakoue, are still available and would cost less than $8.8 million.
Von Miller has already decided to take a pay cut.
Miller’s contract has already allowed the Bills to save a little over $8.02 million in salary cap space for the upcoming campaign. The general manager of the Bills, Brandon Beane, has become close to Miller and has encouraged his dream of managing a team at some point. He expressed gratitude for the edge rusher’s sacrifice.
Beane stated on Sunday, via the Buffalo News, “I thought Von did something I don’t know that many people would’ve done, because he took less than what he was guaranteed, and say what you want, whether you thought he’s performed to the level or not.”
Before the contract restructuring, Beane said he spoke with Miller, and the edge rusher was eager to go above and beyond to support the team in a victory.
He prioritized the group. “He’s looking to win,” Beane stated. He said, “I don’t know if I’ve seen a player do that, especially someone who is going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like him. He said that since the day he got here, and to basically cut it in half and go below his guarantee.” Huge admiration for him.
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