Bills head coach Sean McDermott believes 35-year-old edge rusher Von Miller still has a lot to give despite his major knee injury.
McDermott just disclosed that Miller is still recovering from the ruptured ACL he suffered on Thanksgiving Day 2022, but Buffalo is confident about his performance in 2024.
“First year off an ACL is an uphill climb,” McDermott told former Bills center Eric Wood on his podcast. “Now that we’re in his second year back from injury, we’re interested to see what he can do, how he moves, and how he’ll impact our team. “You never underestimate a player or a person like Von Miller.”
Buffalo is hoping this is the case after awarding Miller a six-year, $120 million contract in March 2022.
At first, it appeared to be a successful investment for the Vikings, with the eight-time Pro Bowler recording eight sacks and one forced fumble in 12 weeks before sustaining the knee injury.
Miller’s 2023 campaign wasn’t perfect either. He started the season on the reserve/PUP list, and when he returned in October, he struggled (three tackles and zero sacks) and dropped behind other Bills edge rushers on the depth chart.
That is why many believe Miller has reached his peak, as he enters his 14th season in the league. McDermott is not among them.
“I know some people would say age and the injury, and that’s real, but you’re talking about a guy also, and this is where the hope comes from, a guy that’s going to be in the Hall of Fame,” she said. “He’s got an extraordinary mindset, and I believe he has something to prove, which he would admit. We’re excited to watch how it all plays out over the next few months.”
