On July 16, 2025, veteran linebacker Von Miller announced via social media that he is signing a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, marking the latest chapter in his storied NFL career. The 36-year-old, two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL’s active sacks leader with 129.5 career sacks brings a wealth of experience to a Commanders team aiming for a deep playoff run in 2025. The deal, first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is still being finalized, but Miller’s Instagram post featuring himself in a No. 24 Commanders uniform with the caption “DC… What’s good?” has already ignited excitement among fans.
The Washington Commanders, coming off a 12-win season and an NFC Championship Game appearance led by Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels, identified pass rush as a critical need this offseason. The departure of Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team with 10.5 sacks last season, left a void in the defensive line. Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and former Super Bowl MVP, is expected to fill this gap as a situational pass rusher. While he may not play every down, his ability to produce in key moments—evidenced by his six sacks in 13 games with the Buffalo Bills in 2024—makes him a valuable asset.
Washington’s general manager, Adam Peters, has been aggressive this offseason, trading for All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and signing defensive veterans like Deatrich Wise, Javon Kinlaw, and Jacob Martin. Miller’s addition signals the Commanders’ “all-in” approach for 2025, aiming to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles and reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1991.
Drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011, Von Miller quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He earned three Pro Bowl selections during his nearly decade-long tenure with Denver, culminating in a Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015, where he was named MVP. Traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Miller added a second Super Bowl ring to his resume. His time with the Buffalo Bills, starting with a six-year, $120 million contract in 2022, was marred by a torn ACL and a four-game suspension in 2024 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Despite these setbacks, Miller’s 129.5 career sacks rank 16th in NFL history, and his 4.5 sacks in Super Bowl games tie for the all-time record.
Miller’s decision to wear No. 24 in Washington is a nod to his former Denver teammate and Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, who wore the same number during his time with the Commanders. As rookies report to training camp in Ashburn, Virginia, on July 18, 2025, Miller’s integration into Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme will be closely watched. While he may not replicate his career-high 18.5 sacks from 2012, his situational role and veteran presence could provide the edge Washington needs in their Super Bowl pursuit.
