The best landing spots for Von Miller in 2022
By: Jake Rajala
The Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Von Miller has been an absolute menace since Week 15 of the 2021-2022 NFL season. Miller ousted five sacks between Week 15 and Week 18 of the NFL season. The former Bronco registered two sacks and a forced fumble in three playoff games thus far and it’s clear he’s getting ready to wreak havoc in his second Super Bowl appearance.
Miller will surely hope he can put together a Super Bowl performance that’s similar to his first Super Bowl display. In Miller’s battle against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Miller won Super Bowl MVP by virtue of recording 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Rams illustrious pass rusher has clearly shown that he can still play at a high level when healthy. It’s special that he’s shown his elite caliber in 2021 and 2022, especially because the 2021-2022 season is a “contract” season for himself. Miller will in fact be a shiny free agent after Super Bowl LVI.
Here is a look at how magical Miller has been in his career thus far:
- three time All-Pro
- eight time Pro Bowl selection
- Super Bowl 50 champion
- Super Bowl 50 MVP
- 9.5 sacks in 2021
- seven season of 10+ sacks
- Defensive Rookie of The Year
- AFC Defensive Player of The Year
With that said, it’s unclear where Miller wind up after the 2022 playoff gauntlet. It would make a ton of sense if the Rams and Miller reunite and pursue more Super Bowl berths. Nonetheless, Miller will certainly have options and opportunities to cash in as a 2022 free agent. Here are the landing spots that I believe would be very ideal for Miller this offseason.
Los Angeles Rams
The LA Rams are flat out the best landing spot for Von Miller. It’s been reported by the Rams Wire that the Rams will try to extend Miller beyond the 2022 season. I also believe Sean McVay will prioritize Von Miller over OBJ. The Rams will have Robert Woods returning at the wide receiver position to join 2021 Offensive Player of The Year candidate Cooper Kupp. I foresee OBJ returning home to New Orleans assuming the Saints figure out their QB situation.
Miller should get a lot of attention from the Rams and it would be wise for Miller to return as a LA Ram in 2022. He’s found his elite stride and he has plenty of favorable opportunities playing next to Aaron Donald. Miller also knows he has the elite ability to take over games in the near future, but he doesn’t have many years left in his career. He should capitalize off what he has left in the tank by chasing more Super Bowl rings with Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford, and Cooper Kupp.
Los Angeles Chargers
Miller wouldn’t have to pack his bags and leave the city if he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former AFC West pass rusher may not have revenge on his mind against Denver, but he would surely be tasked with hunting down his former team’s QB twice a season as a Charger. The combination of Joey Bosa and Von Miller could be very frightening for opposing offenses. Bosa has been aching for a partner like Robin since Melvin Ingram departed in 2020.
The Chargers aren’t only an ascending team that is attractive for every ambitious free agent, but they also have cap space to potentially outbid the Rams by a large margin for Miller’s talent. Justin Herbert’s squad has the fourth most cap space in the league with roughly $57 million dollars. The combination of wealth and power may be tempting for Miller to continue to reside in LA.
Denver Broncos
It’s been widely enunciated that Miller loves Denver Broncos, also known as the team that drafted him. The former first-round pick by the Broncos stated that he “I’ll always be a Denver Bronco forever”. Furthermore, Miller stated that the Broncos wanted him to leave and he wasn’t the one that made the choice to be traded.
It would make a lot of sense if Miller returned to his home on a cheaper deal. If the Broncos can find a quality QB, it should very enticing for Miller to eye on making a return to Colorado. The Broncos also carry the sixth-highest cap space in the league with roughly $39 million dollars. If the Broncos don’t use a hefty amount of their money for a QB and other position needs, I’d expect them to offer Miller another impressive contract to return.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Von Miller has to be gushing at the thought of playing across from 2022 Defensive Player of The Year favorite T.J. Watt. Watt and Miller could really help the Steelers take a massive jump in the AFC. The NFL world witnessed the Tennessee Titans obtain the number one seed over the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and the Cincinnati Bengals. If Miller joined the Steelers defense, the Steelers could be the next surprise one seed in the AFC.
The Steeelers also have the tenth most cap space in the NFL. They will most likely not spend a lot of money on a new QB this offseason, too. It will seem like a veteran QB on a cheaper deal or a rookie QB will join Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins in the QB competition. Tomlin’s squad has firepower on offense with Najee Harris, Dionate Johnson, Chase Claypool, and potentially JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Steelers can certainly return to the playoffs for the second straight season with the talent they carry on offense and defense. Only this time, they can have more swag and overall talent with Miller on the roster.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals and second AFC North team on this list are my favorite wildcard team to land Miller for a variety of reasons. We all witnessed the Bucs pick up studs like Robert Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette for their “dream team” to join Tom Brady. Well, it could be the Bengals turn to add a few more pieces to the puzzle and push for Super Bowl glory in the upcoming years.
It has already been reported that Gronk would love to play for the Bengals and Burrow. The Bengals should get aggressive and creative by targeting the fierce pass rusher that they will be preparing to block very soon. Cincy would unequivocally formulate the top edge rushing combination with the addition of Miller. Trey Hendrickson, who unveiled 14 sacks in 2021, would be another elite pass-rushing compliment to Miller.
The Bengals have Sam Hubbard, but that may not stop them from striking big with Miller. After all, the Rams still had a talented defensive line prior to inking Miller. The Bengals also have the third-highest cap space in the league with roughly $58 million dollars. The Bengals definitely need to fix the offensive line, but they could target one less offensive lineman by locking in on Miller. They may be able to lure in Miller if they desire and it may be more appealing to Miller if the Bengals win Super Bowl LVI.
