Report: Broncos sending Von Miller to Rams in blockbuster trade
The NFL's trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and we've got our first pre-deadline blockbuster.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos are trading outside linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for several 2022 second-day draft picks.
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. pic.twitter.com/wJjlDOQkPU— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2021
Comp update: Rams are sending the Broncos a second- and third-round pick in the 2022 draft in exchange for eight-time Pro Bowl LB Von Miller, per sources
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2021
As part of the trade, the Broncos are paying $9 million of Von Miller’s remaining $9.7 million salary, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2021
Miller, 32, has been in the NFL for 11 seasons, all of them spent with the Broncos. He's an eight-time Pro Bowler and has been a first-team All-Pro three times. He played a key role in helping the Broncos win Super Bowl 50, and was named Super Bowl MVP. He's beloved in Denver, not just for what he does on the field, but what he does off. He founded Von's Vision Foundation, which provides children in Denver with free eye exams and glasses, and has done events in the Denver community for years.
But it's time for Miller and Broncos to say goodbye. Denver gets closer and closer to a rebuild with every passing day, and they're currently flailing aimlessly with Teddy Bridgewater under center. They're 4-4, and Miller will be a free agent next season. Trading him now gives the Broncos second and third-round draft picks so they can actually start that looming rebuild.
Now Miller will become part of the Rams' defense, where he'll join forces with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey to absolutely terrify offenses around the league. Miller has 4.5 sacks with nine QB hits in 2021, a decent rebound after he missed the entire 2020 season with an ankle injury. Over his 11-year career, Miller has 110.5 sacks, 225 QB hits, and 142 tackles for a loss.
Miller was knocked out of the Broncos' Week 7 game with an ankle injury, and didn't play in Sunday's win against Washington. However, Schefter reported that Miller will make his Rams debut in Week 9.
Von Miller will make his Rams’ debut on Sunday Night Football vs. the Derrick-Henry-less Titans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2021
Miller spoke about the trade to the media as he was leaving the Broncos facility.
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 pic.twitter.com/0s6medE69o
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) November 1, 2021
Miller said he's a "team guy" and expects to be ready to play with the Rams on Sunday Night Football in Week 9. Then he spoke about how he feels leaving the Broncos, the only NFL team he's ever played for.
"[I'll] Always have Super Bowl 50," Miller said. "Seeing the pictures when I was walking out, it made me tear up. We've always got Super Bowl 50, always got Broncos Country."