The Washington Commanders announced on July 21, 2025, that they have signed veteran outside linebacker Von Miller to a one-year contract, with full terms undisclosed. The Von Miller Commanders signing adds a two-time Super Bowl champion and 2015 Super Bowl MVP to a defense aiming to improve its pass rush, which ranked 11th in the NFL with 43 sacks last season.
Miller, 36, brings an impressive resume with 129.5 career sacks, the most among active NFL players. A DeSoto, Texas native, he entered the league as the Denver Broncos’ second overall pick in 2011. Over nine seasons with Denver, Miller recorded 106.0 sacks, including a career-high 18.5 in 2012, and earned six straight Pro Bowl selections from 2014 to 2019. His standout 2015 season, where he posted 11.0 sacks and won Super Bowl 50 MVP, cemented his status as one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers.
Von Miller Commanders: A Proven Pass-Rushing Force
Miller’s career spans 186 games across three teams: the Denver Broncos (2011-19), Los Angeles Rams (2021), and Buffalo Bills (2022-24). With the Rams, Miller started 15 games and recorded 9.5 sacks, including 2.0 sacks in Super Bowl LVI. His three seasons with Buffalo yielded 14.0 sacks in 36 games, with six sacks in 13 games during the 2024 season, despite a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.. Miller’s ability to pressure quarterbacks remains evident, with a 25.5% pass rush win rate in the fourth quarter last season, third-highest in the NFL.
The Von Miller Commanders move addresses Washington’s need for a stronger edge presence. Last season, the Commanders struggled with only five fourth-quarter sacks, ranking third-lowest in the league. Miller, a rotational player in recent years, is expected to serve as a situational pass rusher, complementing veterans like Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. His experience, including founding the Sack Summit to mentor defensive linemen, adds leadership to a defense with 22 players aged 30 or older.
Career Highlights and Context for Von Miller Commanders Signing
Miller’s college career at Texas A&M saw him lead the Big 12 in sacks during his junior (17.0) and senior (10.5) seasons, earning the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. His NFL accolades include eight Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2011. Despite a 2022 ACL injury limiting his 2023 performance, Miller’s six sacks in 2024 show he remains effective.
The Von Miller Commanders signing, finalized just before veterans report to training camp on July 22, 2025, positions Washington to contend for a conference title after a 12-5 season. Miller’s $6.1 million deal, with incentives up to $10.5 million, reflects the team’s strategy to blend veteran experience with young talent like quarterback Jayden Daniels. As Miller aims for a third Super Bowl ring, his addition could be pivotal for a Commanders defense seeking to close games more effectively.
