When the Denver Broncos traded outside linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams midway through the 2021 season, the star edge defender didn’t rule out the possibility of one day returning to the Broncos.
“[There have] been guys that have left the Broncos and have come back, you know, and that’s just where I choose to keep my mindset,” Miller said in a video after the trade became official. “Shannon Sharpe was here with the Denver Broncos. He left, and then he came back. That’s just how my mind operates, and I think, ‘Maybe that could be me?'”
Miller, 32, seems to have since changed his stance, as he told NBC’s Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth last week that he would like to finish his career in Los Angeles, a sentiment that Michaels relayed during the broadcast of the Rams’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Broncos fans might not like to hear that, but it’s hard to blame Miller for feeling that way. Denver hasn’t returned to the playoffs since Miller won Super Bowl MVP honors following the 2015 season. Then in his first season in Los Angeles, the Rams are now one win away from going to the Super Bowl (which will be played at their home stadium).
Los Angeles wants to re-sign Miller when he becomes a free agent in March, but the Rams will also have several other star players with expiring contracts. There’s no guarantee that L.A. will be able to re-sign the star pass rusher, but it certainly sounds like he’d welcome an extension.
November’s trade was a win-win for both sides as it gave Denver extra draft capital (perhaps to use in a trade for a much-needed QB) and it gave Miller a chance to compete for a championship right away.
Denver and Miller did end things on good terms, with the Broncos turning down interest from other teams to trade the linebacker to the best fit for him. Miller has called himself a “Bronco for Life,” so an eventual return to Denver can’t be ruled out, but it’s safe to say he’s content with the Rams.
If nothing else, Miller will undoubtedly sign a one-day contract to retire a Bronco even if he does not finish his career in Denver.
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