Von Miller, the NFL’s active sack leader, signs a 1-year deal with the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2025 season. What this veteran pass rusher brings to DC and how it reshapes the team’s Super Bowl ambitions.
Introduction
The NFL offseason has taken an electrifying turn as Von Miller, the league’s active sack leader, has signed a 1-year contract with the Washington Commanders, a move that could significantly impact the 2025 season. After being released by the Buffalo Bills in a salary cap-related decision, the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer is suiting up for his fourth NFL team, joining a Commanders squad that is already buzzing with talent and momentum.
Details of Von Miller’s 1-Year Deal
According to The Associated Press, Miller and the Commanders agreed on a one-year contract just a week before training camp opens. The deal has not been officially announced by the team, but it’s clear that this is a strategic move by GM Adam Peters, who has been aggressively retooling Washington’s roster.
Miller posted on social media, “DC… What’s good?”, along with an image of himself wearing No. 24 in Commanders gear. The cryptic-yet-exciting post confirmed what NFL insiders had already suspected.
Washington Commanders: Building a Championship-Caliber Roster
The Commanders are coming off a breakout 12-win season, largely powered by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Their deep playoff run ended in the NFC Championship, but the team has been active this offseason:
- Acquired Deebo Samuel (WR)
- Traded for Laremy Tunsil (LT)
- Made targeted free agency signings to plug roster gaps
Adding Von Miller to this mix is not just about experience — it’s about closing games with a dominant edge rusher in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
Von Miller’s Career Stats and Legacy
Miller’s numbers speak volumes:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| NFL Seasons | 13 (entering 14th) |
| Career Sacks | 129.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 27 |
| Super Bowl Titles | 2 (SB 50 with Broncos, SB LVI with Rams) |
| Super Bowl MVP | 1 (SB 50) |
| Pro Bowls | 8 |
| All-Pro Selections | 7 |
His time with Denver, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills has shown that he can lead, dominate, and win — even under pressure.
Injury History and Comeback Potential
Miller’s past few seasons have been marred by injuries:
- 2022: Torn ACL
- 2023: Missed 5 games
- 2024: Limited to 13 games, 6 sacks
Despite these challenges, Miller still managed to rack up 6 sacks in 2024, showing he can produce even in a rotational role. The Commanders’ medical and conditioning staff will be vital in keeping him healthy through January.
What Von Miller Adds to the Commanders’ Defense
Washington’s defense has been solid, but lacked an elite pass rusher off the edge. Miller brings:
- Championship experience
- Veteran leadership in the locker room
- A proven ability to close out games with sacks or QB pressure
- Mentorship for younger defenders
The Commanders finished 16th in team sacks last season — Von Miller could easily push them into the top 10.
Social Media Reaction and Fan Buzz
Fans and NFL media personalities erupted with reactions:
“Washington isn’t just building — they’re going for it all.” — NFL Network
“If Miller gives them even 70% of prime Von, this D is scary.” — ESPN Insider
“DC just got a leader. Watch out, NFC.” — Fan on X
Commanders fans on social media welcomed him with open arms, using hashtags like #MillerToDC, #ChaseThatRing, and #VonCommander.
NFL Experts React to the Signing
Football analysts have mixed but mostly positive reactions:
Adam Schefter (ESPN):
“Low risk, high reward. If he stays healthy, this is a home run for Washington.”
Peter Schrager (FOX Sports):
“Commanders just added a Hall of Famer to a roster that nearly made the Super Bowl.”
Kay Adams (Up & Adams):
“Miller’s mentorship for guys like [Montez] Sweat and the young secondary? Invaluable.”
Final Season or Final Push?
At 36, this could be Von Miller’s final NFL season. But judging by his words and recent workouts, he believes he has “more to give.” A strong performance in 2025 could lead to either:
- A final farewell on a Super Bowl run
- One more multi-year deal with a contender
Either way, his focus is singular: winning another Super Bowl.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Von Miller leave the Buffalo Bills?
He was released in March 2025 in a salary cap-saving move after three injury-affected seasons.
Q2: How many sacks does Von Miller have?
Von Miller currently has 129.5 career sacks, making him the NFL’s active leader.
Q3: What jersey number will Miller wear in Washington?
He posted a photo in a No. 24 jersey, hinting that will be his number with the Commanders.
Q4: Is this likely Von Miller’s final season?
Possibly. At 36, and on a 1-year deal, this could be his last NFL season unless he performs at a high level.
Q5: What impact will Von Miller have on the Commanders?
He fills a major need at edge rusher and brings leadership, playoff experience, and pass-rushing prowess.
Conclusion
The Von Miller–Washington Commanders deal could be one of the most impactful signings of the 2025 NFL offseason. It aligns perfectly with the Commanders’ current trajectory — a young team on the rise that’s now infused with one of the game’s most dominant defensive veterans.
If Miller stays healthy and contributes at even a fraction of his peak performance, Washington is a serious Super Bowl contender. For fans, it’s one more reason to believe that #HTTC (Hail to the Commanders) might echo all the way into February.