Broncos Should Bring Back Von Miller for Final Season

The legendary pass-rusher could retire with the team that drafted him.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green capturing the raw energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a veteran pass-rusher's final chapter with the team that drafted him.Denver Today

As one of the greatest pass-rushers of his generation, 37-year-old Von Miller is still playing at a high level. The Denver Broncos, who drafted Miller, should look to bring him back for what could be the final season of his illustrious career. Miller has already expressed interest in returning to Denver, and adding him to their already formidable defense could make the Broncos an even tougher team to beat.

Why it matters

Von Miller is a future Hall of Famer who has played a major role in the Broncos' success over the years, including helping the team win a Super Bowl. Bringing him back for one final season would allow him to retire with the team that drafted him and cement his legacy in Denver.

The details

Despite being 37 years old, Miller is coming off a strong season with the Washington Commanders in which he recorded 9.0 sacks and 6 tackles for loss in just 3 starts. The Broncos, who had one of the best defenses in the league last year, could use Miller in certain packages to further bolster their pass rush. Miller would likely take a significant pay cut to play for the Broncos again, with Spotrac projecting his next contract to be a 1-year, $5.8 million deal.

  • Miller was traded from the Broncos to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
  • Last season, Miller recorded 9.0 sacks and 6 tackles for loss with the Washington Commanders.

The players

Von Miller

A legendary pass-rusher who was drafted by the Denver Broncos and helped the team win a Super Bowl. Miller is a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer who is still playing at a high level at 37 years old.

Nik Bonitto

A young pass-rusher on the Broncos' roster who could potentially rotate with Miller if the team brings him back.

Sean Payton

The new head coach of the Denver Broncos, who could benefit from adding a veteran like Miller to his already strong defense.

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What they’re saying

“As one of the greatest headhunters of his generation, Miller has earned the right to walk away from the game on his own terms.”

— Ernesto Cova, Sports Writer

“He's already lobbied for a return to the team that drafted him, and while they may not need him, even the best defenses can be improved.”

— Ernesto Cova, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Broncos will need to decide if they want to bring back Miller for one final season, and if so, work out a contract that works for both sides.

The takeaway

Von Miller's potential return to the Broncos would be a feel-good story, allowing the legendary pass-rusher to retire with the team that drafted him and cementing his legacy in Denver. Even at 37, Miller can still make a significant impact, and adding him to the Broncos' already strong defense could make them an even more formidable team.