Is Von Miller reuniting with the Broncos?
If the outside linebacker’s social media accounts are to be believed, he has an interest in returning to Denver. The Broncos traded Miller to the Los Angeles Rams last November and he becomes a free agent next week.
On Monday morning, Miller took to Instagram and posted a picture of himself in a Broncos uniform, accompanied by a caption, “58 or 40 in (blue and orange emojis),” a statement accompanied by an eyes emoji and a devil emoji. He wore No. 58 for the Broncos and No. 40 for Texas A&M and the Rams.
Another caption on the same picture followed: “I wonder if they will give me my old locker back?”
Miller then took to Twitter to write, “I kinda want that old thing back.. 5280,” and followed that up with a video statement on Instagram.
“I wouldn’t tease y’all like that, man,” Miller said. “It’s real, the first time ever being a free agent, and I’m just sitting back on the beach, waiting on it, man. apountry wasssuppp?”
What “it” is remains unclear — a new deal with the Broncos? — but it’s evident Miller wanted the word out that he is at least thinking about a second tour with the franchise that drafted him second overall in 2011. He is the Broncos’ all-time sack leader (110 1/2).
Just as likely is Miller expressed public enthusiasm toward the Broncos because he isn’t satisfied with the pace and/or nature of his contract talks with the Rams.
The Broncos traded Miller, picking up $9 million of his remaining salary, to the Rams for second- and third-round picks in next month’s NFL draft. Miller had five sacks post-trade in eight regular season games and four in four playoff games in helping the Rams to a Super Bowl title.
“I was happy for Von, I really was,” Broncos general manager George Paton said during last week’s combine in Indianapolis. “So happy for him and his family. I said it when we traded Von and I meant it — we wanted it to be win-win and I think it was. I don’t think they win (the Super Bowl) without Von. And we have two primary picks and have five in the first three rounds (that) will help our football team.”
Even if Miller wants to re-sign with the Broncos — the negotiating period opens Monday, followed by the signing period on March 16 — Paton, coach Nathaniel Hackett and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero must want Miller to be a part of their plan. Evero joined the Broncos last month after working on the Rams’ coaching staff.
The Broncos have a need at Miller’s old position. Paton is adamant that Bradley Chubb is “going to get back to that Pro Bowl level,” after posting no sacks in a 2021 season derailed by a mid-September ankle surgery.
Malik Reed is a restricted free agent and Stephen Weatherly an unrestricted free agent. Under contract are Jonathon Cooper and Aaron Patrick.
