The Los Angeles Rams had one more blockbuster trade in them after all before the Tuesday, November 2 trading deadline — and they’re getting former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and perennial All-Pro Von Miller.
In a stunning move, the Denver Broncos are sending their eight-time Pro Bowler and MVP of the 2016 Super Bowl to the Rams in exchange for two second-day 2022 draft picks, the news first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday, November 1 at 9:25 a.m. PT.
Blockbuster: Broncos are finalizing a trade to send eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two second-day 2022 draft picks, league sources tell ESPN.
Miller is now saying his goodbyes to his friends in the Broncos’ training facility.
Von Miller’s agent Joby Branion also confirmed the news.
Mixed feelings, for sure. It’s true, .@VonMiller is about to become a @RamsNFL.
And, via The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, the Broncos are expected to pay the salary balance.
The Broncos, as part of trade terms that will send OLB Von Miller to Rams, are paying 2021 salary balance, source w knowledge of terms said. Around $9M.
Denver Insider Caught up With an Emotional Miller
Troy Renck of ABC 7 in Denver managed to get in touch with Miller after the trade happened.
Miller was in tears after the move, but answered the questions as he had his final day in Denver.
“I’ve always been a team guy and I’ve always been a great teammate. And I’m going to continue to do the same thing,” Miller told Renck while the former Broncos’ linebacker sat in his car. “We all got Super Bowl 50. We’ll always have Broncos Country.”
Just got an emotional @VonMiller on trade. Hard to see him go. He was still a little numb. #Broncos #Denver7 will post more later as well
An emotional, teary Miller continued by saying “I love all my fans. I love Broncos Country. When I say Broncos for life, I mean that. I thank everybody…now it’s on to L.A.”
Here is rest of interview with #Broncos @VonMiller. I talked with him as he left the parking lot. Cap tip to @sportsdenver for hanging with me in the cold. #Denver7
Where Miller Fits In
The move comes just one week after the Rams sent one of their fast-rising young linebackers Kenny Young to the Broncos.
Young, 26, was traded away following the 28-19 victory over the Detroit Lions on October 25 for a future late 2024 draft pick. Rookie Ernest Jones became his replacement against the Houston Texans on Halloween and responded by leading the Rams in tackles and intercepting one Davis Mills pass.
But now, the Rams are getting much-needed pass-rushing help opposite of top OLB rusher Leonard Floyd. The Rams have rotated between Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Terrell Lewis and Justin Hollins — the latter injuring his pectoral and expected to be out until December.
And, Miller will play on a defense with Aaron Donald and fast-rising nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, the Rams defense now has two of the most highest-graded defenders on the same side.
Highest-graded D-Linemen since 2011:
1. Aaron Donald – 97.0
2. Von Miller – 94.6
Now they are teammates 😎
Miller told Renck that “I’ve been a fan of Aaron Donald for a long time. It’s a great defense.”
He’ll also team with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who reacted to the Miller trade with this tweet:
Miller Wasn’t in Lineup Against WFT
Miller, now in his 11th season in the league, didn’t play on Sunday versus the Washington Football Team due to an ankle injury. He’s started in seven games this season and has produced 4.5 sacks with 19 total tackles including 10 solo.
For his career, Miller has 110.5 sacks, 509 tackles and 390 solo stops per Pro Football Reference.
Miller has eight seasons of reaching eight sacks or more.
The Rams Twitter account reacted to the news with this gambling-type gif:
We’re all in.
And, the Rams officially announced that Miller will be returning to his old college football number… which is also a famous number worn by a franchise legend:
Back in 4⃣0⃣
@VonMiller receives blessing to wear the number from the family of Rams great, and Hall of Famer, Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch 🙌
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Rams Strike Blockbuster Trade for Former Super Bowl MVP: Report