New Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller is the happiest man in the NFL.
Hours ago, he was with the 4-4 Denver Broncos, where he spent his first 11 seasons and won a Super Bowl.
After a surprise trade, he’s now with the 7-1 Los Angeles Rams and possibly contending for another Super Bowl.
Welcome to Los Angeles! #RAMS #VonMiller 💙💛🏈🐏 #LesSnead #SeanMcVay #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/Y2Ea2mEHnm
— L.A. RAMS News (@LARamsNews) November 1, 2021
While Miller wanted to stay with the Broncos, the franchise knew that the split was inevitable.
But looking at the deal that went through, the team at the Mile High City ruined the negotiations.
Here’s why the trade for Miller will haunt the Broncos and the NFL for a while.
3. He Still Has A Lot Left In The Tank
The Broncos rolled the dice that they would remain an elite defensive unit without their emotional leader.
Their secondary featuring Kareem Jackson, Pat Surtain II, and Justin Simmons is a no man’s land for opposing receivers.
Meanwhile, ten players had a share in their 20 quarterback sacks, tied for fifth-best in the league.
However, Miller accounted for 20 percent of those hits, and it would be tough to fill the void he left.
Soon to be Ram. The great Von Miller. He’s done some damage this year for Denver as he was the AFC defensive player of the month for September. Highlights below.
Get your popcorn ready, folks. #AllChipsIn pic.twitter.com/q4Nm1B7Gqf
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) November 1, 2021
Can Malik Reed take the next step and be Miller’s heir apparent for the next decade?
He does have the skill set to be the next great Broncos pass rusher.
But playing alongside Miller gave him some free shots at the quarterback, hence his four sacks in eight games.
It would be tougher to replicate that success without the Super Bowl 50 MVP.
2. The Broncos Got Little In Return
Are the Rams allergic to draft picks?
They traded away two first-rounder and a third-rounder for Matthew Stafford.
Now, they are giving up a second and a third-rounder for Miller.
If only other teams knew that his price tag was such, the Broncos’ phone lines might field a ton of inquiries.
Turn up then!!! @RamsNFL
pic.twitter.com/HEZXaQg2Qa— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) November 1, 2021
The Rams only have a fifth-rounder and a seventh-rounder left in next year’s draft due to those two trades.
But they got a pair of high-character players that can help deliver a championship.
Worst, the second and third-rounder that the Broncos will draft might not pan out.
Therefore, this deal is a coup in favor of the Rams.
BREAKING: Von Miller has been traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2nd & 3rd round pick in 2022#PMSOverreactionMonday #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/jQtX8siBoC
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 1, 2021
The deal gets sweeter because the Broncos will shoulder $9 million of his pro-rated salary in 2021.
They got an All-Pro defensive player without giving up anyone on their roster while surrendering second-day draft picks.
It’s a masterful deal by Rams general manager Les Snead to bolster the team’s title hopes for the foreseeable future.
1. Broncos Added To An Elite Defensive Unit
The NFL’s balance of power would remain status quo had the Broncos traded Miller to a team with questionable defense.
But the Rams!?
They rank tenth in points allowed (21 per game) and first in sacks with 25.
They’re the one team that doesn’t need Miller because they have weapons everywhere on defense.
Instead, offensive linemen must feel the cold sweat just by thinking that Miller and Aaron Donald will be lining up on the same side.
Von Miller will partner with Leonard Floyd, Aaron Donald and Sebastian Joseph-Day along the Rams’ front. Wow. https://t.co/2KcphNbsyk
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 1, 2021
If the reigning Defensive Player of the Year can’t get the sack, he can still attract double teams that will give Miller or Leonard Floyd free shots at the quarterback.
Jalen Ramsey will be anticipating throws to collect interceptions as well.
This unit can shut down the other team while abusing their offensive linemen.
Only time will tell if the Broncos gave rise to the NFL’s newest dynasty.
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