Von Miller likely to fill a different role for Bills in 2024

Every reports from Bills training camp lead us to believe that the old Von Miller is back. Reporters have said he looks like the 2022 version of him, Miller himself said he feels good, and in a post-practice interview offensive tackle Dion Dawkins let us all know how he feels.

“I don’t know if you’re watching, but watch out,” Dawkins said on Tuesday. “40 is back. 40 has his aura back. Von is Von.”

But, what can we realistically expect from a 35-year-old defensive end who is coming off his second ACL repair?

This isn’t an easy question to answer.  

If Miller is indeed close to his 2022 pre-injury form, then don’t expect him to see the number of reps he saw prior to going down to injury. And don’t be shocked if he isn’t starting every game.

It is most likely that Bills coach Sean McDermott and new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich put Miller on a “pitch count” and use him mostly in pass rush situations.

Normally, McDermott’s defenses see defensive linemen rotate heavily and typically the Bills starting edge rushers see anywhere from 35-40% of the defensive snaps.

Based off this, Miller will likely take on the “pass rush specialist” role to keep his legs healthy the duration of the 17-game season plus playoffs.

Regardless of limited play, if Miller is indeed close to his 2022 pre-ACL tear form, he could very easily be an 8-12 sack edge rusher.

But it’s not just on the field production that Miller brings. He has served as a mentor to the other Bills edge rushers, including Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa—two players who will be important edge players this season and look to have career high production.

Production was not on the plate for Miller in 2023 when he returned from his ACL injury. In 12 games, he recorded zero sacks and a career low 53.3 PFF grade.

Miller has let it be known that he thought he returned from his injury too early last season and that he now is 100% healthy with his injury being an afterthought. Either way you slice it, Miller is already looking different than he did during last season, and that’s a good thing for the team and its fans.