Just when it seemed that the dust had settled on free agency before training camp, the Washington Commanders sent shockwaves through the football world by signing eight-time Pro Bowler Von Miller.
Miller, the MVP of Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos and likely a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, will join the Commanders for his 15th NFL season. He'll be seeking his third Vince Lombardi trophy with his third different organization, after additionally winning a title as a member of the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
The former No. 2 pick out of Texas A&M might not be the dominant force he once was, but the versatile pass-rusher fills a major need for Washington, where he figures to line up mostly at defensive end. Meanwhile, one of the biggest potential benefits of his signing is a dynamic that nobody is talking about.
Von Miller's presence could help sharpen up Commanders rookie Josh Conerly Jr.
Protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels was Adam Peters' No. 1 priority this offseason. As such, the team traded for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and selected Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
This is a huge positive, but Washington's new offensive tackle tandem will need to be tested with defensive pressure in practice. With the Commanders' group of edge rushers looking like an obvious weak spot, they probably weren't going to get much useful preparation.
That changes with Miller, who is at least an upgrade over Deatrich Wise Jr. or Clelin Ferrell as the Commanders' second starting defensive end opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. The long-time veteran has mostly rushed off the left side in recent years, which means he's set to frequently line up opposite the right tackle position that Conerly will be playing.
Miller also has to know that his role in Washington will consist of just as many off-field responsibilities. Much like fellow Commanders veterans with Super Bowl pedigree, such as Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, he'll be a mentor to his younger teammates. For a player in Conerly's position, there are few players in the NFL whom he could learn more valuable lessons.
After recording six sacks a season ago, the Commanders should expect mild production from Miller, just enough to keep his position from being the liability it likely would have been otherwise. But he figures to make the entire team better.
And the player who might benefit the most from his presence is one of Washington's most crucial long-term building blocks.