The rich get richer. This might be the most fitting description for the Los Angeles Rams defense that now has eight-time Pro Bowler Von Miller on their side.
The Rams traded for Miller on Monday, sending two draft picks to the Denver Broncos in exchange. According to the team’s official announcement, the Broncos will get a second-rounder and a third-round selection in 2022 as part of the deal.
Denver will also pay $9 million of Miller’s remaining $9.7 million salary in order to help the Rams fit the veteran under their almost maxed-out salary cap.
After missing the entire 2020 campaign due to an ankle injury, Miller bounced back this year with a solid outing in the first seven weeks of the season. He made 4.5 sacks while adding 19 tackles and nine QB hits.
The Rams already have one of the most feared defenses in the league that stars three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. With Miller, the LA team adds another dimension to their pass rush while also taking some pressure off Donald, who was frequently double-teamed this season.
“He brings an element, obviously an incredibly unique football player that not only is a great pass-rusher, but he’s a complete football player that can really affect and influence an offense in a negative way on all three downs,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay via ESPN. “You can utilize him in a variety of different ways.”
Von Miller has established himself as one of the best linebackers of his generation since entering the league as the Broncos’ second overall pick in 2011. On top of his eight Pro Bowl nods, Miller earned seven All-Pro honors while also helping Denver win Super Bowl 50 and earning Super Bowl MVP award in the process.
Throughout his career, Miller racked up 110.5 sacks in Broncos’ uniform while adding 509 tackles, 225 QB hits, 26 forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown.
