The Washington Commanders made the leap from NFL basement dwellers to championship contenders in just one season. Now they’re adding a two-time Super Bowl champion who knows exactly what it takes to finish the job.
How Will Von Miller’s Championship Experience Impact Washington’s Defense?
Washington’s 2024 turnaround was fueled by Jayden Daniels and a much-improved defense. Daniels was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for over 3,500 yards and rushing for another 891.
However, Daniels has already established himself as the future of Commanders’ football, and first-year head coach Dan Quinn’s defense also deserves credit. Washington allowed the most yards (6,612) and points (518) in the NFL in 2023. After one season under Quinn, the defense gave up the 13th-fewest yards (5,558) and 18th-fewest points (391).
GM Adam Peters added to his defense this offseason, bringing in Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise, Jonathan Jones, and Will Harris, and he just added a Super Bowl MVP. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Washington signed 14-year veteran edge rusher Von Miller.
Pelissero tweeted, “Eight-time Pro Bowl OLB Von Miller is signing with the #Commanders, sources tell The Insiders. Miller has won Super Bowls with the #Broncos and #Rams. Now he’ll try to earn another ring in Washington.”
Eight-time Pro Bowl OLB Von Miller is signing with the #Commanders, sources tell The Insiders.
Miller has won Super Bowls with the #Broncos and #Rams. Now he’ll try to earn another ring in Washington. pic.twitter.com/TmnbdpDsc6— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2025
This is a big-time signing for the Commanders, as Miller brings proven Super Bowl experience to an already solid defensive unit. Washington had 43 sacks last season, tied for the 11th-highest total. While Miller doesn’t have the same pass-rush ability as he once did, he could develop into the closer the Commanders need.
What Does Miller’s Track Record Mean for Washington’s Championship Hopes?
Miller was the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and spent his first 10 and a half seasons with the Denver Broncos. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and a first-team All-Pro three times in Denver. Miller was named MVP of Super Bowl 50 after collecting 2.5 sacks and six total tackles against the Carolina Panthers.
4 Minutes of PRIME Von Miller. Enjoy pic.twitter.com/fWF4CVl4jn
— Playoff NFL (@_PlayoffNFL) July 17, 2025
He won another Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams after being traded mid-way through the 2021 season. Miller had nine sacks between the two teams in the regular season and added four during Los Angeles’s playoff run.
Miller signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills the following offseason, and had eight sacks in 11 games before tearing his ACL. The injury has sent Miller’s career on a sharp decline, as he was highly ineffective in 2023 and posted just six sacks last season.
He doesn’t have to be the guy in Washington, as Wise and Dorance Armstrong are the projected starting defensive ends, but Miller should find a solid role in the Commanders’ defense.
