At first glance, it might appear that the Washington Commanders have no real plan to generate a consistent pass rush in 2025. But perhaps it’s worth considering whether they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Yes, they allowed their 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler, to leave in free agency and sign with division rival Dallas Cowboys. And yes, they dealt away two former first-round picks in 2023 — Chase Young to the 49ers and Montez Sweat to the Bears.
Believing that “things will eventually fall into place” might be comforting to some, but that mindset doesn’t align with what you’d expect from a team aiming for a Super Bowl — and that’s exactly the level Washington is striving for. Making a proactive move would be wise.
Even if the Commanders intend to draft an edge rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, picking at No. 29 leaves no guarantee a top-tier talent will still be on the board. That’s why now is the time to act — and signing veteran edge rusher and former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller would be a smart move.
Miller, released by the Buffalo Bills on March 9 in a cap-saving decision, could likely be signed by Washington for around $10 million on a one-year deal.
“…Miller could be an asset,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox on April 4. “He recorded six sacks while playing just 33 percent of Buffalo’s defensive snaps last season.”
Miller Nearing End of Hall of Fame Career
At 36 years old and entering his 15th NFL season, Von Miller is already cemented as one of the most decorated defensive players in league history and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011 out of Texas A&M, Miller was instrumental in Denver’s Super Bowl 50 victory over the Carolina Panthers, earning MVP honors for his dominant performance — which included 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a pass breakup, and 6 tackles — widely considered one of the best showings in Super Bowl history.
A member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, Miller is a 7-time All-Pro, 8-time Pro Bowler, and added a second Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 season. Financially, he’s among the most highly compensated players ever, having earned around $191.7 million by the end of 2024.
Miller joined the Buffalo Bills in 2022 on a six-year, $120 million deal but has been limited by injuries, missing 15 games across the last three seasons.
Commanders Doubled Down on Offense in ’25 Cycle
This offseason, the Commanders have focused heavily on bolstering their offense. Their biggest splashes came through major trades for star wide receiver Deebo Samuel and standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Defensively, their most significant addition has been defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal in free agency — a move many have criticized as one of the least favorable contracts of the offseason.
