Insider floats 4 ‘splash’ free agents for Commanders if star QB isn’t available

3. Von Miller

"“What if Washington includes Montez Sweat in a quarterback trade? Chase Young? Anything seems possible in this determined pursuit. Backups James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill followed the game plan when thrust into action last season, but there’s just no obvious DE replacement on the roster for full-time duties if Washington makes such a trade.”"

We fully expect the Rams to push the envelope to re-sign Miller, whom they traded for mid-season in exchange for second- and third-round picks in 2022, but it won’t be easy given they’re $14.1 million over the salary cap.

While Miller isn’t the annual Defensive Player of the Year candidate he was during his prime, it’s worth questioning if the Rams win the Super Bowl without him. In eight games after the trade, he posted five sacks, eight QB hits and 12 tackles for loss.

Those numbers alone are impressive, but Miller’s presence made life easier for the entire Rams front seven and there aren’t enough words to describe the kind of leadership and pedigree he  brings to a locker room.

If Sweat or Young (probably Sweat) is included in a trade for a star QB, signing Miller would quell all concerns about who would fill the void, because James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill aren’t ready to shoulder that kind of responsibility.