Following a deep and inspiring playoff campaign that narrowly fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, the Washington Commanders have shown clear intent to build on that momentum. The organization appears confident that its current roster has the potential to compete at the highest level, and as such, they’ve pursued strategic reinforcements during the offseason. One of the most notable moves was the signing of veteran pass rusher Von Miller—a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike.
At 36 years old, Von Miller is no longer in his prime, but his name still commands respect across the league due to his extensive resume. With over a decade of NFL experience, including two Super Bowl victories and numerous Pro Bowl appearances, Miller brings leadership and a deep understanding of defensive schemes. His signing reflects the Commanders’ broader strategy of favoring seasoned talent over younger players with unproven potential, especially during what the organization sees as a current championship window.
Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden recently shared his thoughts on the acquisition during an interview, praising the move for its potential upside. According to Gruden, Miller could provide the defensive edge that the team needs in specific game scenarios. “It’s a good signing,” he noted. “A veteran guy who knows how to rush the passer. He’s not going to be much of a run-stopping guy in Coach Quinn’s defense. But they do need some juice on third down and five yards plus, and he will give them that added spark.”
Gruden emphasized that the short-term nature of Miller’s contract—a one-year deal—adds to the attractiveness of the signing. He pointed out that Washington has already evaluated its younger pass rushers during the offseason and likely determined that additional experience was necessary. “They probably realized, ‘Hey, we need a little spark. We need one more guy who can come in on third down and provide a spark,'” Gruden said. Whether Miller makes the final roster is yet to be determined, but Gruden believes that even in a limited role, the veteran could offer valuable contributions in key situations.
Von Miller entered the NFL in 2011 as the second overall pick by the Denver Broncos. His career with Denver was distinguished, spanning over 140 games and featuring 110.5 sacks, 500+ tackles, and a key role in the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory. After a decade in Colorado, he moved to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. There, he played only eight games but made a significant impact during the playoffs, helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
More recently, Miller spent the last three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he continued to be a solid presence despite dealing with injuries. Last season, he played 13 games and recorded 17 tackles, six sacks, and eight quarterback hits. Although his production has declined from his peak years, the Commanders are betting that Miller can still serve as a specialist in high-leverage downs.
As he enters his 14th NFL season, Von Miller joins a Commanders team hoping his experience and situational pass-rushing ability can make the difference in close games. Whether or not he becomes a long-term part of Washington’s plans remains to be seen, but for now, the former Super Bowl MVP represents a potentially impactful piece in the team’s quest to reach the next level.
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