Von Miller Cut by Bills to Save Salary Cap Space; Both Reportedly Open to New Contract

Ahead of the start of the new league year this week, the Buffalo Bills announced the release of veteran pass-rusher Von Miller on Sunday.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Miller's release is a cost-cutting move for the Bills, although both sides remain open to a reunion in free agency.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, cutting Miller saves the Bills $8.4 million in salary cap space.

Miller, who turns 36 on March 26, spent the past three seasons in Buffalo, recording 14 sacks in 36 games.

After spending 11 years with the Denver Broncos and part of one season with the Los Angeles Rams, Miller signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills in 2022.

Miller had already won one Super Bowl each with the Broncos and Rams, and he had 115.5 career sacks to his credit when he signed with Buffalo.

Early returns on the deal were good, as Miller had eight sacks through 11 games in 2022, but a torn ACL cut his season short and caused him to miss the start of the 2023 campaign.

Miller clearly wasn't back to form upon returning from injury, as he failed to record a single sack over 12 games in 2023.

Given his poor performance, Miller effectively agreed to a pay cut prior to the 2024 season by converting $8.645 million of his salary into incentives, per Spotrac.

While Miller was off to a strong start in 2024 with three sacks in the first four games, it was announced in October that he was suspended four games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

In nine games after returning from the suspension last season, Miller only recorded three more sacks, giving him six on the year.

While his recent performances have largely been disappointing, Miller ranks among the greatest pass-rushers in NFL history, as his 129.5 career sacks are 16th on the official all-time list.

Miller also has 10.5 career playoff sacks, and he was named Super Bowl MVP when the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers to conclude the 2015 season.

Additionally, Miller is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro, and he was the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Bills have been busy this offseason when it comes to retaining core pieces, as they have signed wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard and pass-rusher Greg Rousseau to contract extensions.

However, they need to make some outside additions as well in order to get over the hump and reach a Super Bowl.

Despite making six straight playoff appearances and winning five consecutive AFC East titles, the Bills haven't been able to make it past the AFC Championship Game due primarily to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Releasing Miller gives the Bills funds to fill some of their needs via free agency or trade, although it sounds like Miller's return could be in the cards if Buffalo is unable to find an upgrade at pass-rusher.