The Buffalo Bills’ patience with Von Miller seems to be paying off, as the All-Pro edge rusher is rebounding after a disappointing 2023 season marked by recovery from a torn ACL. Although Miller has already exceeded his performance from last season, reports indicate that the Bills might be considering potential replacements for the 35-year-old. Bleacher Report has highlighted Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat as a possible free-agent target next offseason, suggesting that the Bills may need to pair him with rising star Greg Rousseau.
Von Miller’s Resurgence
Miller appears to be enjoying a bounce-back season after a tough 2023, during which he recorded just three tackles in 12 games and was benched for a crucial late-season match against the New England Patriots. So far this year, he has four tackles and two sacks, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report noted that Miller seems to have regained his form, stating, “He looked nearly cooked last season, but he’s already getting after quarterbacks through two weeks of the season.” However, given Miller’s age and injury history, the Bills might want to secure a future edge rusher to mitigate any potential decline in his performance. Sweat, who is in the final year of a three-year, $40 million contract with the Eagles, could be a strategic addition.
Future Considerations
Miller’s current contract reflects his adjustments, having agreed to a pay cut this season that lowered his base salary from $17.5 million to $8.9 million. However, he has the potential to earn back that amount through performance incentives, which could raise his pay to $20 million for 2024. Yet, for a 35-year-old player with declining production, meeting those incentives may be challenging.
Rising Star: Greg Rousseau
The Bills may increasingly rely on Rousseau if Miller’s output decreases. The 25-year-old defensive end is off to a strong start this season, notching three sacks and earning the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Week after the team’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky remarked on the effectiveness of the Bills’ defensive line in their 2-0 start, noting the contributions from players like Ed Oliver, AJ Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, and Von Miller during key passing situations.