BREAKING: Bills to Part Ways With $120 Million Star After Career-Worst Season
Buffalo Bills’ edge rusher Von Miller faced challenges returning from a torn ACL last season, finding himself relegated to the bottom of the defensive line rotation and failing to secure a single sack in 12 games.
Reports now indicate that the Bills might consider parting ways with the $120 million star as a cost-cutting measure. This move would not only free up cap space but also allow younger players on the team to assume larger roles. According to Bleacher Report, the Bills have exhausted several options to create cap space, including strategic releases and contract restructures, but may still opt to release Miller to generate additional room.
Bills Would Clear $8.8 Million By Releasing Star
The report highlighted that the Bills have already made significant cap-saving moves this offseason, including trading Stefon Diggs and releasing veterans like safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
It pointed out that while there aren’t many options left for the Bills to create cap space, there are two potential post-June 1 trade candidates that could help in this regard. Von Miller stands out as the most significant option. Although parting ways with him would incur a hefty dead cap hit of $23.3 million, trading him after June 1 would yield the best cap savings, clearing $8.8 million.
Bills planning to release CB Tre’Davious White. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/ZLCcOWrlUv
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2024
The report suggested that the decision to trade or release Miller might not be solely financial. By moving on from Miller, the Bills could allocate more playing time to players who made a greater impact on the field in 2023 and explore free agency for additional reinforcements.
In 2023, Miller had a career-worst statistical season, finishing with just three total tackles.
Despite Miller not being a starter for the Bills last season and failing to register a sack, the team would still boast a solid three-man rotation featuring Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Dawuane Smoot. Additionally, there are other veteran options available in the market, such as Yannick Ngakoue and Markus Golden, who could be acquired for less than $8.8 million.
Von Miller Already Agreed to Pay Cut
The Bills have managed to secure some savings from Miller’s contract by reducing his salary cap number by $8.02 million for the upcoming season. Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who has developed a close relationship with Miller and supported his aspirations to become a general manager in the future, commended the edge rusher for his actions.
“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 shared on Sunday, as reported by the Buffalo News.
Beane went on to reveal that he had conversations with Miller before the contract restructuring, and Miller demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the team’s success.
“He put the team first. He wants to win,” Beane remarked. “He 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.”