Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller, who struggled through the 2023 season after returning from a torn ACL, appears to be regaining some of his previous form.
Miller experienced career lows last season, failing to record a single sack in 12 games and dropping to the bottom of the defensive line rotation. Despite showing glimpses of improvement towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, there were doubts among insiders about his future with the Bills heading into the 2024 season.
However, according to a report by Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com, Miller has shown significant signs of improvement during the team’s early practices. Parrino noted that although Miller has not fully recovered from his ACL injury, he delivered one of his best performances during the team’s recent minicamp.
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“Since tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving in 2022, Miller’s speed, burst, and edge-bending ability haven’t been the same,” Parrino wrote. “He couldn’t practice last season without a knee brace, but he has discarded it this offseason and during OTAs. Despite wanting to play for a few more seasons, Miller showed signs on Tuesday – albeit in a non-padded practice – that it could be possible.”
Parrino highlighted that Miller achieved something he failed to do throughout the entirety of the 2023 season – getting into the backfield to sack the quarterback.
“He had two sacks on the day, making life difficult for veteran tackle La’el Collins,” Parrino wrote. “He blew by Collins off the edge for a sack on quarterback Josh Allen. Later in practice, Miller won on an inside rush against Collins and joined Greg Rousseau at the quarterback for another sack.”
Despite Miller’s recent improvement, there remains speculation about his future with the Bills. Some analysts suggest the Bills could release Miller to save salary cap space, even after he agreed to restructure his contract and reduce his salary cap number by $8.02 million for the coming season.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane praised Miller for his willingness to make sacrifices for the team, stating, “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.”
In summary, while Von Miller appears to be slowly returning to form, his future with the Bills remains uncertain amid ongoing salary cap considerations and competition for roster spots.
