The signing could help the Buffalo Bills' championship aspirations.
William Jones - March 19, 2022
With the NFL free agency kicking off, teams are making moves like Davonte Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns.
An NFL team, the Buffalo Bills, made a move to compete in a tough AFC conference by signing former Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos star Von Miller, who just won a Super Bowl with LA, to a six-year deal worth $120 million.
Adam Schefter, a senior NFL insider for ESPN, reported that $51.5 million is guaranteed in the deal, with $45 million fully guaranteed. Miller's deal is huge with a player turning 33 this month.
During the 2021 season, Miller recorded 33 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He sacked Joe Burrow back-to-back in the second half of the Super Bowl to help the Rams to a title
Miller was a free agent following the 2021 season after winning the Super Bowl and will now have the opportunity to replicate his success with the Bills.
Bills' defense ranked first in total yards allowed to opponents last season with 285 and produce 42 sacks. Despite this quality defense last season, the Bills failed to display it against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.
The defense gave up 552 yards, 30 first downs, and no turnovers. Furthermore, they gave up a touchdown in 13 seconds and a game-winning drive in overtime.
While looking at the defense's performance against the Chiefs in the playoffs, there are still problems that the Bills should address, namely the defensive line's efficiency in pass rushing.
Miller could ease that dilemma with his impact on the field despite not being the same player who led the Broncos with double-digit sacks. The Bills' defensive line, which includes inexperienced players like Gregory Rousseau and Jordan Phillips, can especially benefit from his experience.
Miller could be the vocal leader and encourage Bills players to speak up when the team is playing in a high-stakes game during the regular season or postseason. Aaron Donald, Miller's former teammate with the Rams, challenged him to become a vocal leader, which recently retired Rams' left tackle Andrew Whitworth said in an interview on the Rich Eisen Show.
At the Bills press conference, Miller mentions his brotherhood for one season with the Rams and Miller's feelings about what he brings to the Bills.
The biggest thing Miller wants to show with the Bills is that he hopes to "lead by example" for a Super Bowl championship in Buffalo, New York.
Conclusion
Overall, the signing of Miller has been a big move that the Bills did this offseason to improve the pass-rushing, as well as gain championship experience.
Along with the Miller signing, the Bills signed tight end OJ Howard to a one-year deal and release two players (Star Lotulelei and Cole Beasley) due to cap space.
The signing has some mixed feelings with Miller's age 32, but he could still produce when it matters.
It has been a newsworthy offseason with the Miller's deal as free agency news continues to headline the NFL.
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