**Should the Denver Broncos Bring Back Von Miller After His Release by Buffalo Bills?**
The news that Von Miller, one of the most iconic players in the history of the Denver Broncos, has been released by the Buffalo Bills has sent ripples through the NFL community. As the future Hall of Famer becomes a free agent, many Denver Broncos fans and analysts are wondering if the team should pursue a reunion with their former star linebacker. Miller, who was drafted by the Broncos in 2011 and played a key role in helping them win Super Bowl 50, has been a cornerstone of Denver’s defense for the better part of a decade. His move to the Buffalo Bills in 2022 was a surprising one, but now that he’s been released, should the Broncos consider bringing him back for another stint?
There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether the Broncos should make a move for Miller, ranging from his on-field ability, injury history, contract considerations, and the team’s current roster needs. Ultimately, this decision should also factor in Miller’s legacy in Denver and the kind of role he could play in a franchise that is in the midst of a rebuild and a major organizational shift.
### **The Case for Bringing Von Miller Back to Denver**
1. **Legacy and Leadership**
Von Miller is a legend in Denver. His impact on the franchise cannot be overstated, as he was not only a dominant force on the field but also a leader who helped define the Broncos’ defense for over a decade. Miller’s leadership was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl victory during the 2015 season, where he was named Super Bowl MVP after a spectacular performance. His influence off the field, as a player who set the tone for Denver’s tough, physical defense, made him a beloved figure in the city and in the locker room.
Miller’s potential return to Denver could inject much-needed leadership into a young and relatively inexperienced roster. As the Broncos enter another phase of rebuilding under new leadership, having a seasoned veteran like Miller could help mentor younger players, especially those in the linebacker room and on the defensive line. Players such as Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, and Jonathon Cooper could benefit from Miller’s experience and knowledge of the game, potentially accelerating their development.
Even as Miller’s skills have declined due to age and injury, his presence in the locker room could still be invaluable, helping to instill a winning mentality and holding teammates accountable. A team that has struggled with consistency in recent years could certainly use the type of leadership that Miller provides.
2. **Pass-Rush Ability**
Even though Von Miller is now in his 30s and has dealt with significant injuries over the past couple of years, his pass-rushing ability remains highly effective. Before his release by Buffalo, Miller had been a consistent contributor to the Bills’ pass rush, especially in the early parts of the 2022 season. Despite being sidelined for part of the year due to injury, Miller remained a threat when he was healthy, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks with his elite speed, agility, and football IQ.
For the Broncos, adding a player like Miller could bring an added dimension to their pass rush, something that has been a consistent issue for the team over the past few seasons. While the Broncos have solid young pass rushers like Bradley Chubb (who is currently with the Miami Dolphins), they could benefit from Miller’s experience in key moments. Denver’s defense, which has historically been one of the team’s strong suits, has struggled with pressure and quarterback sacks since Miller’s departure in 2021. Adding an experienced pass rusher like Miller would give Denver a proven commodity on the edge, capable of making game-changing plays.
3. **Mentorship to Young Players**
Von Miller’s return could be more than just an on-field decision; it could also serve as an opportunity to mentor younger defensive players. Denver has a wealth of young talent on the defensive side of the ball, but many of these players have yet to fully establish themselves as consistent NFL performers. Miller’s experience, particularly in the postseason, would be valuable to help these players learn how to approach the game with the same drive and intensity that he brought to the Broncos for so many years.
Players like Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto have shown flashes of promise, and Miller’s tutelage could help them refine their technique, gain better awareness of offensive schemes, and improve their pass-rushing skills. A player with Miller’s pedigree could help elevate the play of these young defenders, turning potential into consistent performance.
4. **Super Bowl Contender Mentality**
While the Broncos are still in the midst of a rebuilding phase, bringing back Miller could signal a commitment to return to relevance in the AFC playoff race. Miller’s presence alone could help make the Broncos a more competitive team, and his ability to make plays in high-pressure situations would provide a boost to a defense that has often struggled to close out games in recent years.
Given that the Broncos play in a competitive AFC West division alongside powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, any addition to the roster that can elevate the team’s chances of being competitive in the postseason is important. Miller has proven time and again that he can perform in the postseason, and adding him to the mix could give the Broncos that veteran presence they need to make a deeper run when they do eventually return to playoff contention.
### **The Case Against Bringing Von Miller Back to Denver**
1. **Age and Injury Concerns**
One of the primary concerns when considering bringing back Von Miller is his age and injury history. Now in his 30s, Miller has dealt with multiple injuries in recent years, including a serious knee injury that forced him to miss the majority of the 2021 season. While Miller showed he still has the ability to be productive, his durability has become a question mark. The Broncos cannot afford to invest heavily in a player who may not be able to stay on the field for an entire season, especially when their focus should be on long-term development and building a sustained championship contender.
The Broncos are still in the midst of a rebuild, and while Miller could provide short-term gains, his health issues could potentially limit his effectiveness. If the team is investing in Miller, they need to weigh the potential rewards of adding a future Hall of Famer with his injury concerns and the need for continuity in younger players.
2. **Salary Cap Constraints**
Von Miller’s return to Denver would almost certainly require a sizable financial commitment, especially given his pedigree and the market for experienced pass rushers in the NFL. With the Broncos still managing their salary cap and looking to build a sustainable team for the future, paying top dollar for a player who is on the back end of his career might not be the most prudent decision.
Given that Miller will likely demand a significant contract, the Broncos need to evaluate whether it’s worth allocating those resources to an aging player who might only be able to contribute for one or two more seasons. The salary cap space could be better utilized on younger players or other positions of need, such as offensive line depth or additional weapons for the offense.
3. **Development of Younger Players**
While Von Miller’s leadership and pass-rushing abilities would be a boon to the Broncos, it’s also crucial that the team continues to develop younger talent. Players like Bradley Chubb (now with Miami) and Baron Browning are at a point where they need to be given as many opportunities to prove themselves as possible. Bringing back Miller could stunt the growth of these players, especially if the veteran occupies a starting role or significantly reduces the snaps available for the younger defenders.
Allowing younger players to develop and gain experience is essential for the Broncos’ long-term success. If Miller were to come back, it would be important to ensure that his role did not impede the development of younger pass rushers who could form the foundation of Denver’s defense for years to come.
### **Conclusion: Should the Broncos Bring Von Miller Back?**
Bringing back Von Miller to the Denver Broncos could be a symbolic and beneficial move, but it must be approached with caution. Miller’s leadership, pass-rushing ability, and potential impact on younger players cannot be discounted. However, concerns about his age, injury history, and the financial implications make the decision far more complex.
If the Broncos are looking for a short-term boost and a leader in the locker room, Miller could be a strong addition, especially if the team’s defensive coordinator can manage his snaps and workload carefully. However, if the Broncos are committed to long-term growth and are focused on building a sustainable contender, they might be better off investing in younger players and looking elsewhere for veteran help. Ultimately, the decision should come down to whether Miller can stay healthy and contribute at a high level for a reasonable price — a factor that could make all the difference in determining if a reunion between Miller and the Broncos is the right move.
