There have been rumours surrounding the possibility of veteran pass-rusher and Denver Broncos legend Von Miller returning to the team for the upcoming season. Miller left the Broncos after 10 seasons with the organization when he was traded to the Rams in 2021 for a second- and third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Von Miller is a true Broncos legend, mostly known for winning the Super Bowl MVP award in 2015 when the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers. However, Miller’s numbers have declined in recent seasons as he has bounced around from team to team. But could pedigree alone bring him back to a Super Bowl-contending team, for one last dance
Should Von Miller Return to the Denver Broncos Next Season?
Impact on Squad
Bringing back a household name like Von Miller wouldn’t necessarily hurt the team in any way. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion with multiple playoff games under his belt. While also having the love and respect from the fanbase. Miller would have a leadership role on this squad. He wouldn’t be able to displace pass rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper on the depth chart, as they’ve been amongst the league’s best over the last couple of seasons. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from a future Hall of Fame player. Miller could bring insight on how to stay composed in big games and how to have an impact in championship games. The current Broncos pass rushers haven’t been to any Super Bowl, so you can see how he could be useful when it comes to that aspect of the game.
Injury Concerns
Over the past few seasons since leaving Denver, Von Miller has dealt with several injury issues. During his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, Miller missed over 1o games across 3 seasons, which may not seem like much, but they came at some of the most crucial points of the season, and being 37 years old, age isn’t on his side either. In his most recent season with the Washington Commanders, he played every game of the regular season, but his role was becoming limited. He would serve the same type of role in Denver, though, which would lower his snap count and thus lower his chances of being injured.
Hunger?
An outside factor that many aren’t considering is Von Miller’s hunger level. What is it at this point in his career? He’s a top professional and will give his all, no doubt, but players take it differently to this level of evolution in their game. Miller isn’t the same star he once was, he has a legacy that he has built in Denver that he will certainly not want to taint. He’s also just accomplished everything in the game. He’s won multiple Super Bowls, was a Super Bowl MVP, multiple All-Pro selections, you could argue that there really isn’t much left for him to do in the game. Which puts his motivation in question. Being in a leadership role could be exactly what excites him. Coming back to Denver, where it all started, to mentor the next great generation of Broncos Pass rushers. It’s poetic, and as long as he isn’t asked to do more than what is necessary, and can stay healthy, it seems like a very possible reality.
Legacy
The most important thing to remember with Von Miller’s return to Denver is that his legacy isn’t tarnished. He stands as a major figure in the team’s history and is a fan favourite. Usually, in sports, when a player returns for a second stint at an old team, it’s typically never as good as the first time. Which is fine as long as no damage is done to the player’s name. Von Miller may not be able to impact the game on the field the same way he was once able to, but he can bring something else this time that may be even more valuable: experience. If he were willing to come back on a team-friendly deal, it seems like an option the team should pursue.
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