The Los Angeles Rams paid a premium price to acquire Von Miller from the Denver Broncos last season, trading a second and third-round pick in 2022 for the feared EDGE defender. While the price was steep, it ended up paying off as Miller helped the Rams to a Super Bowl title.
They would like to keep him around beyond the few months he spent with the team, but that will be easier said than done. Los Angeles went all in to win the Super Bowl and could be hard-pressed to retain Miller in free agency, especially if his price tag remains high.
Despite turning 33-years old in a few weeks, Miller showed he is still among the best in the business when healthy. Recent injury history is a little concerning, but it is nice to see that they haven’t kept him from playing at a high level when he is on the field.
He finished with the fourth-best grade among EDGE defenders according to PFF last season, looking to have plenty left in the tank. If the Rams are unable to re-sign him, where could we see him end up? Here are three possible free agent destinations for Miller in 2022.
3. New York Giants
The New York Giants have a new sheriff in town with Joe Schoen coming over from the Buffalo Bills to take over the general manager spot that David Gettleman vacated. He has his work cut out for him as Gettleman is leaving the roster in worse shape than when he arrived.
Schoen has a goal of slashing $40 million in salary this offseason, which will be easier said than done. The Giants don’t have much wiggle room when it comes to the cap right now, but clearing that amount of money would certainly help.
It would likely take a gigantic overpay to land a veteran such as Von Miller given the current spot of the team, but the Giants need pass rush help and Miller is arguably the best EDGE defender available this offseason.
The hiring of Don ‘Wink’ Martindale means the Giants will have an aggressive defense this upcoming season, but they do not have the personnel to match what Martindale had been doing with the Baltimore Ravens. Miller would add a significant piece to get closer to that high-pressure system he developed previously.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys could need some pass-rushing help this offseason. Rookie sensation Micah Parsons was unstoppable getting into the opposing backfield, but he could use some help in 2022.
DeMarcus Lawrence hasn’t been nearly as productive getting after the quarterback in recent seasons and Randy Gregory is a free agent. Adding another pass rusher to the mix would be smart and Von Miller could be atop their wish list.
It would be a homecoming for Miller, who was born in Dallas and went to high school just about 20 minutes outside of the city. He went to Texas A&M for college, so he is a Texan through and through. Now that he has his Super Bowl ring, could he be enticed to return to his hometown Cowboys for the twilight of his career?
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers were in the back half of the NFL in sacks last season with 35. They have an all-world pass rusher in Joey Bosa, but they need to find some help opposite of him if they want their defense to get to the next level.
It would be a relatively simple move for Miller, going across town to the Chargers from the Rams. If he loved Los Angeles enough but the Rams cannot afford to sign him, this could be a logical landing spot for him.
Bosa had 10.5 sacks last season in 16 games. The next closest was Uchenna Nwosu with only five, so the Chargers could definitely use a boost to their pass rush. Miller would certainly be able to provide that, while also not being a liability against the run as a true three-down EDGE player.
