Von Miller’s stunning Commanders payday puts him in must-deliver territory

Everyone associated with the Washington Commanders is expecting big things from veteran edge rusher Von Miller. And the money given to the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer confirms it.

The Commanders desperately needed to find more pass-rushing assistance before Week 1 against the New York Giants arrived. Fans finally got their wish when Miller came on board just a few days before the start of training camp, although expecting him to be the dominant game-wrecking force of old is unfair.

Miller will be a rotational pass-rushing threat at this late stage of his career. The former No. 2 pick out of Texas A&M saw his snap count diminish over the last two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, although he still managed six sacks in 2024. That might be the ceiling in Washington, but those in power believe he could provide more based on the cash allocated in his contract.

Commanders gave Von Miller decent money, and they want a return on their investment

According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, the Commanders have given Miller a one-year, $6.1 million deal that could be worth up to $10.5 million with incentives. These will likely be based on playing time and sack numbers, but nothing has been officially confirmed on that front.

This brought some raised eyebrows among the fan base. Most thought the Commanders could get Miller for a lot less, but desperate times call for desperate measures. They needed an edge rusher desperately, and the three-time All-Pro was among the best remaining options on the free-agent market.

It also places added expectations on Miller's shoulders. He's in a must-deliver territory to justify the financial commitment coming his way.

Miller knows his role. He'll be tasked with providing more explosiveness in pursuit of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and head coach Dan Quinn has had plenty of success with aging edge threats in previous years. The eight-time Pro Bowler will also lend his support and guidance to young players aiming to increase their respective roles this season and beyond.

This is nothing more than a short-term arrangement. Miller will be 37 years old next March, so retirement will be a very realistic option once the 2025 campaign concludes. But he won't be worrying about that now — his sole focus will be on helping the Commanders get over the hump and into the Super Bowl.

The Commanders have placed a significant wager on Miller. They'll be expecting a return on their investment.

Otherwise, it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.