Von Miller, Buffalo Bills make NFL free-agency splash with pass rusher to join AFC contender
The Buffalo Bills have come tantalizingly close to reaching the Super Bowl the previous two seasons, and are likely hoping their latest free-agency splash can put them over the top.
The Bills and eight-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Von Miller have agreed to a six-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
"It's been a crazy four hours going back and forth. Lot of things that I love in LA," Miller said, announcing the deal on Instagram. "But I just wanted you to know, I’m coming to Buffalo. Bills Mafia, what’s good? Is 40 open?"
Miller joins a Bills defense which led the NFL with the fewest yards and points allowed during the 2021 season, but collapsed in a 42-36 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional playoffs. With 13 seconds remaining, Buffalo allowed the Chiefs to gain 31 yards on two plays to set up Harrison Butker’s winning field goal as time expired.
𝐕𝐎𝐍‼️
We've agreed to terms with DE @VonMiller on a six-year contract. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/3px86cNx3g— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 16, 2022
In addition to Miller, the Bills also added defensive tackles JaQuan Jones and Tim Settle in free agency. Wednesday's development also means that it seems unlikely that the Bills will re-sign veteran pass rusher Jerry Hughes, who became a free agent after nine seasons in Buffalo.
NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
NFL FREE AGENCY TRACKER: All of Wednesday's news on deals between players, teams
Miller, 32, is a two-time Super Bowl champion and was named the game's MVP when the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50. On Nov. 2, 2021, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, who he helped win Super Bowl 56.
Miller has posted seven double-digit sack seasons during his 11-year NFL career. After missing the entire 2020 season after a suffering an ankle injury in practice, Miller played seven games for the Broncos in 2021 before being traded to the Rams, who went all-in on a Super Bowl run. With the Rams, Miller teamed up with three-time NFL defensive player of the year Aaron Donald to form a formidable defensive line duo that overwhelmed the upstart Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl 56.
Miller was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, and earned NFL defensive rookie of the year honors that season. The following season, Miller recorded a career-high 18.5 sacks. In the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 win over the Carolina Panthers, Miller registered 2.5 sacks en route to game MVP honors.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buffalo Bills, Von Miller agree to free-agent contract
