Bills DE Von Miller’s contract named one of NFL’s worst despite restructuring

The Buffalo Bills made a splash in 2022 NFL free agency by acquiring the signing of star edge rusher Von Miller. The deal, while based on logic at the time, was questionable, as they were giving a 33-year-old a six-year, $120 million contract (although in reality it was structured as a three-year agreement).

Although it was questioned by many, it was an “all-in” decision by the Bills front office and it looked like it was going to pay off as Miller had 8.0 sacks during of his first 11 games with the team. However, Miller tore his ACL late in the 2022 season. He finally returned in 2023 and recorded three total tackles and no sacks.

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The NFL’s all-time active firing leader restructured his contract during the 2024 offseason, agreeing to a significant pay cut that lowered his immediate base salary from $17.45 million to $8 .5 million dollars. Despite this, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report estimates that Von Miller has the fifth worst contract in the NFL.

“Miller took a pay cut earlier in the offseason to remain with the Buffalo Bills, but their financial commitment is considerable,” Kenyon wrote. “He holds a $15.2 million cap hit in 2024 with a contract that — while something will surely change between now and then — extends through 2027.”

Miller will most likely be out of Buffalo by 2027, as he will be a second option behind Gregory Rousseau. Miller’s contract rework also makes him a viable trade candidate, as Buffalo would free up approximately $8.8 million in salary cap space if it can find a team interested in taking on the defender’s contract.

If the Bills end up parting ways with Miller, it would continue the line of failed attempts to bring a premium pass rusher to Western New York.