LATEST UPDATE: Bills now set to Replace Von Miller With $3 Million Linebacker

Von Miller has started to regain his form after a challenging start to his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, but questions remain about his long-term future with the team.

Miller’s debut season in Buffalo was cut short by a torn ACL in 2022, and his 2023 campaign saw him struggle to return to peak performance. He posted career-low numbers, with no sacks and just two total tackles, though his production improved late in the season and during the playoffs.

This year, Miller has bounced back with 4.0 sacks, showing signs of his old self. However, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has suggested the Bills might consider parting ways with Miller in the upcoming offseason. Moving on could allow Buffalo to address their needs with a more cost-effective alternative while capitalizing on Miller’s improved market value.

Bills Urged to Add ‘Good Complementary Piece’

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has proposed that the Buffalo Bills might target linebacker Josh Uche as a cost-effective replacement for Von Miller. Uche, who was traded from the New England Patriots to the Kansas City Chiefs at this season’s trade deadline, will become a free agent after completing his one-year, $3 million contract. Ballentine sees him as a strong candidate to fill Miller’s role at a much lower cost.

The suggestion aligns with the Bills’ recent efforts to free up cap space by moving on from veteran players. “The Bills have successfully transitioned from a lot of experienced players this season,” Ballentine noted. “The safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, along with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, immediately come to mind. They weathered those losses and have still managed to be a contender.”

Ballentine believes Miller could be next on the chopping block. Cutting Miller before June 1 could save the Bills $8.5 million against the cap, while a post-June 1 designation would increase the savings to $17.5 million. This financial flexibility could allow Buffalo to pursue a younger pass-rush specialist like Uche, who could complement Gregory Rousseau, the centerpiece of the Bills’ edge-rushing group.

Bills Kept Faith in Von Miller

The Buffalo Bills have stood firmly by Von Miller despite his on- and off-field struggles in recent seasons. Earlier this year, Miller served a four-game suspension following an investigation into domestic violence allegations. Despite the challenges, the team has continued to emphasize his importance to their defensive rotation.

Before the season, head coach Sean McDermott expressed optimism about Miller’s return to form and highlighted his value to the defense. When Miller rejoined the team in October after his suspension, McDermott reiterated his role within the unit.

“It’ll be good to have Von back,” McDermott said, via SI.com. “He’s been out for four weeks. Never sure what that brings, right, in terms of staying refined, staying polished, but I’m sure he’s been chomping at the bit to get back. It’ll be nice to have him back. Again, it’s never about one person, right? Especially when you play up front, it’s about the sum of the parts, and it’s about four guys rushing as one, and that’ll be important for us as we move forward as a defense overall.”

Miller’s contributions and leadership remain valued by the team, even as questions loom about his future in Buffalo.