Linebacker Von Miller, who is an eight-time Pro Bowler, has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on a six-year contract, the organization announced Wednesday.
Miller, who is coming off of a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams, contract is worth $120 million, according to sources. The deal includes $51.5 million guaranteed over the first three years and also $45 million fully guaranteed at signing.
The Rams, who were expected to make a strong push to keep him and make another run at a title in 2022, did not give up through Wednesday. Coach Sean McVay made an emotional appeal to Miller to stay, but Buffalo ended up winning out.
Miller confirmed the move on social media. “It’s been crazy man, crazy four hours,” Miller said in an Instagram video. “Going back and forth man, a lot of things that I love in L.A. But I just wanted to let you know I’m coming to Buffalo. Bills Mafia, what’s good? Is 40 (his jersey number) open?
Miller’s contract is massive for an aging player, who will turn 33 on March 26. He was the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He has started every one of the 150 regular-season games in which he has appeared. Miller’s 115.5 career sacks are the most of any active player in the league. In eight regular-season games with the Rams, he got to the quarterback five times. He had four additional sacks in the Rams Super Bowl run.
The three-time first-team All-Pro, has been a dominate edge rusher at his apex, but injuries have robbed him in recent years. He missed all of the 2020 season because of an ankle injury. Miller’s trade to the Rams in the middle of last season did not make an immediate impact, but his performance in the playoffs put him back on the map of teams in need of pass-rushing help.
It remains to be seen what Miller’s addition means for veteran Bills edge rushers Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison, both of whom officially hit the open market Wednesday. They have indicated to general manager Brandon Beane they hope to continue playing, although the likelihood of that happening in Buffalo seems to have decreased now that the Bills have made such a massive investment in Miller.
The Bills made the strongest push to sign the veteran and future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Now, the goal for Miller will be to make history. No player has ever played for the winning team in a Super Bowl for three different franchises. The Bills hope this addition will give Miller a chance to add to his two rings, the first of which came with Denver following the 2015 season, while giving Buffalo its long-sought-after first Super Bowl title. They hope his skills and championship experience will get them over the top.
