JUST IN: Bills May Split With $120 Million Star Following Worst Season in Career

Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller faced challenges coming back from a torn ACL last season, slipping to the bottom of the defensive line rotation and not recording a single sack in 12 games.

A recent report indicates that the Bills might consider releasing the $120 million star to save costs and provide opportunities for younger players. According to Bleacher Report, the Bills have exhausted their “all-in options” to create cap space through strategic releases and contract restructures, but cutting ties with Miller could still offer additional financial relief.

Bills Would Clear $8.8 Million By Releasing Star

The report highlighted that the Bills have already executed several significant cap-saving maneuvers this offseason. These include trading Stefon Diggs and releasing several veteran players, such as safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.

Bills planning to release CB Tre’Davious White. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/ZLCcOWrlUv

— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2024

The report stated that while the Bills have limited options to create cap space, there are two post-June 1 trade candidates that could help. Von Miller is the most significant among them. Trading him after June 1 would result in $23.3 million in dead cap but would clear $8.8 million in cap space, offering the best return in terms of savings.

The report also mentioned that the Bills could either trade or release Miller, suggesting that the move would not be solely for financial reasons. Releasing Miller would allow more playing time for those who had a greater impact in 2023 and enable the Bills to explore additional free agency options.

Miller had his worst statistical season in 2023, finishing with only three total tackles. The report noted, “Miller, 35, was no longer a starter for the Bills last season and didn’t register a single sack. They would still have a solid three-man rotation with Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Dawuane Smoot. Additionally, veterans like Yannick Ngakoue and Markus Golden are available for less than $8.8 million.”

Von Miller Already Agreed to Pay Cut

The Bills have already managed to save some money through Von Miller’s contract, reducing his salary cap hit by $8.02 million for the upcoming season. Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who has developed a close relationship with Miller and supported his ambitions to become a general manager, praised the edge rusher for his sacrifice.

“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,” Beane said on Sunday, as reported by the Buffalo News.

Beane mentioned that he had conversations with Miller before the contract restructuring and that Miller was willing to go the extra mile to help the team succeed.

“He put the team first. He wants to win,” Beane said. “He has said that since the day he got here, and to basically cut it in half and go below his guarantee, I don’t know if I’ve seen a player do that, especially someone that’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer like him. So, much respect for him.”