Von Miller Suggests He 'Almost' Signed with Cowboys in IG Photo with Micah Parsons
May 6, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller #40 during the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Championship parade on February 16, 2022, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Veteran linebacker Von Miller signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason, but it appears that there was potential for him to land with another contender.
Miller posted a photo on his Instagram alongside Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons suggesting that he nearly signed with the team before deciding on Buffalo.
After winning his second championship by helping the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, Miller signed a massive six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills. Buffalo is expected to be on the shortlist of title contenders in the AFC during the 2022 season.
When he signed with the Bills, Miller said that he considered re-signing with Los Angeles. He also considered the possibility of returning to the Denver Broncos, with whom he spent the first 10-plus years of his career. He decided on Buffalo because he felt energized to be with a franchise that is set up to compete for championships for years to come.
"It had to be something special. It had to be the Buffalo Bills to really get me over the hump," Miller said in March. "And right when I signed on the contract, I felt good. The smile came back. The happiness came back. Von came back."
Miller will be heading into his age-39 season at the end of his contract, so there's a chance that he'll end his legendary career in Buffalo. The eight-time Pro Bowler is considered to be one of the best defensive players of his generation.
While the Cowboys didn't land Miller, they managed to boost their pass rush by signing defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
'Punt God' Matt Araiza Selected by Bills in 6th Round of 2022 NFL Draft
Apr 30, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 5: Matt Araiza #PK01 of the San Diego State Aztecs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Punt God has found a new home.
The Buffalo Bills selected San Diego State punter Matt Araiza with the first pick of the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft on Saturday. Araiza earned the affectionate nickname for his booming punts during his college career and became a fan favorite on social media.
No punter received as much attention as the San Diego State product leading into the draft, but he was actually the third player taken at his position. The Baltimore Ravens selected Penn State's Jordan Stout with the No. 25 pick of the fourth round, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Georgia's Jake Camarda three picks later.
Yet it was Araiza who was a consensus All-American and the Ray Guy Award winner as the nation's top punter in 2021.
He averaged an FBS single-season record 51.2 yards per punt and was also San Diego State's kicker while making all 45 of his extra points and 18 of 28 field-goals attempts. Throw in four tackles as someone who wasn't afraid to mix it up after kicking it, and there was little the 6'2", 200-pounder didn't do when the Aztecs' special teams were on the field.
If things go according to plan for Buffalo, it won't use Araiza much.
After all, his presence on the field will mean the high-powered offense with Josh Allen at the controls didn't score. The Bills led the AFC in points per game (28.4) last season and improved that unit by selecting running back James Cook and wide receiver Khalil Shakir in the draft.
They can now take solace knowing that Araiza should be able to boom a punt downfield on the rare occasions when the offense doesn't come through with a score.
Kaiir Elam Drafted by Bills: Buffalo's Updated Depth Chart After Round 1
Apr 29, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 5: Kaiir Elam #DB09 of the Florida Gators speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills selected Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam with the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft Thursday.
Buffalo's defensive backfield depth chart now looks like this:
CB: Tre'Davious White, Dane Jackson
CB: Kaiir Elam, Dane Jackson
FS: Micah Hyde, Jaquan Johnson
SS: Jordan Poyer, Damar Hamlin
NB: Taron Johnson
A 6'1½", 191-pound speedster, Elam ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. He finished with 29 total tackles, five passes defended and an interception last season for the Gators.
Elam comes from a football family. His father Abram Elam played seven seasons in the NFL with six different teams after going undrafted out of Kent State. His uncle Matt Elam also played for the Gators and was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.
The B/R NFL Scouting Department describes Elam as "a long, rangy corner with speed and physicality," adding, "He has scheme flexibility, with the vision to play zone and the fluidity to play man."
The Bills traded up two spots to get Elam, showing how badly they wanted him. He will immediately step in and fill the second cornerback spot after the departure of Levi Wallace, who signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Elam will be playing opposite two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Tre'Davious White, who is coming off a torn ACL suffered last November. The Bills also have a pair of All-Pro selections in their defensive backfield in safeties Jordan Poyer (first-team) and Micah Hyde (second-team). They will surely help facilitate the development of Elam.
Von Miller Off the Field: His Passions and Projects
Apr 18, 2022
Von Miller answers questions during a news conference Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Miller was introduced as the Bills' prized free-agent addition, a day after agreeing to terms on a six-year contract. (AP Photo/Mark Ludwiczak)
Pass-rusher Von Miller might be new to the Buffalo Bills, but he's no stranger to the NFL spotlight. This past February, he won his second Super Bowl as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. Back in 2016, he was named the MVP of Super Bowl 50 after notching six tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in a Denver Broncos victory.
Miller hasn't just shined on the championship stage, either. In nine-plus seasons with Denver and a half-season with the Rams, he has logged 115.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 154 tackles for loss and one defensive touchdown.
In 2018, Millers was the Denver Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
An eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, the 33-year-old Miller is well on his way to the Hall of Fame. With a six-year deal in place with Buffalo, he'll look to add more accolades to his resume.
Like most NFL stars, though, Miller isn't a football player only. He enjoys other off-field pursuits and passions, including his Von's Vision foundation.
Von's Vision
Ever since he was drafted second overall in 2011, Miller's eyeglasses have been an easily recognizable feature. He has used his high profile to help others with their own vision needs. Over 10 years ago, he started Von's Vision, a charity that helps in-need students with vision care.
Earlier this month, Miller hosted his third annual Gig'em Gala to help raise money for Von's Vision.
"I've had eye problems and eyeglasses problems my whole entire life, and I was just sitting at the house one day, signing autographs, I took my glasses off and I was like, 'Man, I'm going to start Von's Vision,'" Miller said, per Darryl V Bruffett of KBTX. "I'm going to give back contacts, glasses, LASIK surgery, pretty much anything to do with eyes back to children in need."
For Miller—who won the 2019 Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service in Sports—Von's Vision is more than just a charity. It represents a bond with the children he's helping.
"To really help in that area, it's incredible," Miller said, per Jon Heath of Broncos Wire. "I haven't gotten LASIK to this point just because of that."
Von's Vision incorporates multiple programs, including free eye screenings, free vision testing, access to prescription eyeglasses and Von's Vision Centers—mobile optometry kiosks that help in-need students receive the vision care they need.
"It's incredible," Miller said.
Through Von's Vision, Miller will ensure that he leaves a lasting impact long after his playing days have ended.
Just a couple of ole chicken farmers hanging out at Miramont Country Club talking some football during @VonMiller Gig’em Gala benefiting Von’s Vision Foundation Friday night. pic.twitter.com/XBugAK1mjE
When Miller isn't busy chasing quarterbacks or helping the world see better, he might be found tending to his chickens.
Miller, who graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in poultry science, owns his own chicken farm in DeSoto, Texas. It wasn't initially a goal for him, but he became fond of his fowl friends after taking an elective in college.
"My professor, Dr. [Morgan] Farnell, he wouldn't let it be an easy class—you know how these electives can be, you just go in there and sleep through it," Miller told Sam Alipour of ESPN The Magazine. "But he made it a point to make sure I knew my information. And then I learned about it and really enjoyed it. Before you know it, it's my major."
While chicken-raising isn't exactly a typical pastime for modern NFL players, it's more than a hobby for Miller. Just don't expect him to use his chickens as offseason training partners.
"You know, I'd rather chase quarterbacks," Miller said, per Alipour. "Chickens are way more athletic than the most athletic quarterback you could probably go get."
Miller is still having little trouble chasing quarterbacks, even at 33. In the 2021-22 playoffs alone, he logged four sacks and six quarterback hits. Of course, his quarterback-chasing days won't last forever.
Whenever Miller decides to hang up his cleats for good, though, he'll have no trouble occupying his time.
Report: Stefon Diggs, Bills Agree to 4-Year, $104M Contract with $70M Guaranteed
Apr 6, 2022
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills and wide receiver
Stefon Diggs reportedly reached an agreement on a four-year, $104
million contract extension with $70 million in guaranteed money.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported details
of the deal, which runs through the 2027 NFL season, on Wednesday and
noted the "intent from both sides [is] to have him retire in Buffalo."
Diggs noted in an Instagram post on Wednesday that he intends to finish his career with the Bills:
It's no mistake Diggs' arrival to
Buffalo ahead of the 2020 campaign coincided with a breakout year
from quarterback Josh Allen.
A true No. 1 target is crucial in the
development of any young signal-caller, and Allen having somebody he
could depend on in key situations was a welcome sight after the top
receivers in his first two seasons were Zay Jones and John Brown.
Diggs has recorded 230 receptions for
2,760 yards and 18 touchdowns in 33 appearances across his first two
seasons in Buffalo. He led the NFL in both catches (127) and
receiving yards (1,535) in 2020.
Allen, who previously replied "No." when Diggs' brother, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs,
suggested the siblings link up on the Cowboys roster, had another
simple response to news of his favorite target's extension:
The Bills have improved the wideout
depth behind Diggs since his arrival. Gabriel Davis, who scored four
touchdowns in last season's playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs,
Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie are also factors at the position.
Buffalo also added O.J. Howard at tight
end to pair with Dawson Knox, who caught nine touchdowns in 2021.
So Allen has a lot of weapons at his
disposal heading toward the 2022 season, which the Bills will open as
one of the top Super Bowl contenders.
Buffalo's biggest remaining need is
cornerback, which it could address in the first round of the draft
later this month.
Former Bills DE Alex Carrington Tased by Police During Arrest on Gun Charges
Apr 4, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 13: Alex Carrington #98 of the Buffalo Bills puts on his helmet on the sideline during NFL game action against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Former Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams defensive lineman Alex Carrington was Tased by Niagara County police after he allegedly didn't comply with officers during a traffic stop, per TMZ Sports.
According to that report, Carrington was stopped at 1:34 a.m. ET on Monday morning because he was speeding and didn't have his headlights on. Officers believed that Carrington might be drunk and asked him to step out of his car for field sobriety tests and noticed that he had a gun magazine in the vehicle.
Per TMZ, "Cops say at one point, Carrington appeared to try to restart his car and flee the scene. But that's when officers say they Tased him and eventually got him out of the car."
Officers then allege they found "a loaded Glock 17 hidden underneath his leg" and two additional loaded magazines in the vehicle.
Carrington has been charged with DWI, resisting arrest and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He reportedly is still in custody.
Former #Bills DE Alex Carrington arrested overnight in Lockport for DWI, criminal possession of weapon, and resisting arrest.
The 34-year-old played for the Bills (2010-13, 2015) and Rams (2014) in his NFL career, registering 61 tackles and four sacks across 59 total games. He also blocked three field goals and an extra point in the 2012 season.
Injuries limited him throughout his NFL career. He was placed on injured reserve in 2013 after tearing his quad tendon and tore his right quadriceps tendon in the 2015 season, ending that campaign.
He was briefly with the Houston Texans in the summer of 2016 but was released before the season.
Cole Beasley Released by Bills After Team Fails to Find Trade Partner
Mar 17, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Cole Beasley #11 of the Buffalo Bills during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills announced Thursday they've released wide receiver Cole Beasley.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the Bills failed to find a trade partner, noting a deal "never came together" after Buffalo held conversations with a "few teams."
Beasley and his representatives
requested a chance to seek a deal during the
2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Bills general manager Brandon Beane told
Garafolo at the time the team was open to the wideout's
return in 2022 if no deal was found.
Instead, the 32-year-old SMU product is
on the move after a three-year tenure in Buffalo. He started his
career with seven seasons as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Beasley remains one of the NFL's
premier slot receivers. He posted 82 receptions each of the past two
seasons, his career high, but his per-catch average dropped
to 8.5 yards in 2021, matching his career-low mark from his rookie season in 2012.
Even if he's losing a step—he also recorded just 34 first-down grabs in
2021 compared to 53 the previous year—he can consistently get open against both man and zone coverage. That's a
major benefit in any offense.
Beasley generated headlines last
season for what he described as a "pro choice" stance on COVID-19 vaccines. In October, he
suggested Bills fans were booing him because of his unvaccinated
status.
"Only place I get boo'd is at our
home stadium," he wrote on his since-deleted Twitter account. "Then
some of the same people want me to take pictures and sign autographs.
I thought Bills fans were the best in the world? Where'd they go?"
The NFL and the NFL Players Association
jointly agreed to suspend COVID-19 protocols March 3, so
that storyline should be less of an issue next season.
In all, the 2020 second-team All-Pro
selection has tallied 550 catches for 5,709 yards and 34 touchdowns
across 149 career regular-season games.
He'll head to free agency, where he should have a "solid market," per Garafolo.
The Texas native is no longer at the
peak of his physical powers, but he made enough key plays over
the last few years in Buffalo for teams to believe he can be an impact player in 2022.
OJ Howard, Bills Reportedly Agree to 1-Year Contract After 5 Seasons with Buccaneers
Mar 16, 2022
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 14: O. J. Howard (80) of the Buccaneers warms up before the preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 14, 2021 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Veteran tight end O.J. Howard and the Buffalo Bills have agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
News of the deal came shortly after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Bills will sign Von Miller to a six-year, $120 million deal.
Joining Buffalo will represent a fresh start for Howard, who has struggled to live up to the hype after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 draft.
Howard didn't finish with monster numbers (114 receptions, 1,726 yards, seven touchdowns) in four years at Alabama, but his potential was obvious as he prepared to take the next step in his career. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and possesses the kind of frame (6'6", 251 pounds) to pose matchup nightmares.
The theoretical value of Howard has outpaced his actual value in the NFL, though. He also suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2020 that ended his season after four games.
Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old had shown flashes. He was especially effective in 2018, finishing with 34 receptions for 565 yards and five touchdowns in only 10 appearances. Still, the former Crimson Tide star had yet to establish himself as an elite tight end.
Now, the Achilles rupture could prohibit him from ever reaching that level in the years ahead. His 2021 production (14 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown) wasn't promising.
Richard Sherman made a successful recovery from the same injury, but he was already a three-time All-Pro before getting hurt in 2017. Dez Bryant hasn't been so lucky, though he was three years older than Howard at the time of his Achilles tear.
Because Howard's athleticism helps set him apart from others at his position, it's fair to wonder how effective he can be if he's a step or two slower upon returning to the field.
OC Byron Leftwich on says the loss of O.J. Howard is tough because Howard had been putting in so much work and was showing obvious improvements. Leftwich says Howard gets into positions that most guys his size can't get into.
Getting out of Tampa could nevertheless work to his benefit.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were already a big part of the offense before the arrivals of Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski pushed Howard further down the pecking order for the passing game.
In Buffalo, he'll still have to contend with Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and Dawson Knox, but the Bills obviously see a role for him for 2022.
A short-term deal will also allow for Howard to rebuild his value again before returning to the open market in 2023.
Von Miller, Bills Agree to Reported 6-Year, $120M Contract Amid Rams, Cowboys Rumors
Mar 16, 2022
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) celebrates after the team defeatdd the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL divisional round playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Von Miller helped lead the Los Angeles Rams to the Lombardi Trophy, but he is headed elsewhere for the 2022 campaign.
The 32-year-old reportedly signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Miller confirmed the news:
Von Miller announces he is signing with the Bills on his IG
This deal comes one day after Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported the Rams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns were all pursuing the veteran.
The outside linebacker came to the Rams in November via trade from the Denver Broncos. Denver received a second- and third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, but it was still a head-turning move considering what he meant to the AFC West franchise.
Miller had been with the Broncos his entire career and posted a message to the fans and organization that said, in part, "This is a special place. I love and appreciate you guys for all of my amazing years that I've had."
He also seemed to hint he wanted to return to Denver when he tweeted in March "I kinda want that old thing back.. 5280" in an apparent reference to the Mile High City before choosing Buffalo.
While the Texas A&M product missed the 2020 season because of an ankle injury, he bounced back in 2021 with 50 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 15 games for the Broncos and Rams.
He also tallied a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery during the win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round and had two sacks in the Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Miller-Aaron Donald tandem was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, who were often forced to leave Miller with just one blocker on the outside because the superstar defensive tackle required so much attention.
Yet Miller was productive long before he teamed up with Donald.
Denver selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft, and he wasted no time making an immediate impression with 11.5 sacks as the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also won a Super Bowl with the Broncos and was the MVP of the game against the Carolina Panthers behind six tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended.
That cemented his status as a Denver legend, but he also has three All-Pro selections, eight Pro Bowl nods and seven seasons with double-digit sacks on his resume.
It is fair to wonder if Miller is somewhat past his prime, but he is a proven playoff performer and veteran leader who was still productive in 2021.
He will bring plenty to the table for the Bills as they look to compete in a competitive AFC.
Rob Gronkowski Rumors: Bills Interested in Free Agent If TE Opts Against Retirement
Mar 2, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: NFL Player Rob Gronkowski attends the 2022 NFL Alumni Legends party hosted by Rob Gronkowski at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in signing tight end Rob Gronkowski if he chooses to continue his NFL career.
Tim Graham of The Athletic reported the Bills reached out to Gronkowski when he was a free agent last offseason and remain interested despite his uncertain football future. The surefire Hall of Famer is from Amherst, New York, which is about 12 miles outside of Buffalo.
Gronkowski rebuffed Buffalo's interest a year ago to return to Tampa Bay and play with Tom Brady. He recorded 55 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns in 2021 despite missing five games with injuries.
Brady's retirement this offseason perhaps paved the way for Gronk to finish his career near his hometown. While the 32-year-old has made no concrete decisions regarding his own future, Gronkowski did say in January he was leaning toward retirement.
"If they're like, 'Rob, you've got to decide right now, right this second if you're playing next year,' I would say no right now," he said. "I would be like, 'No, I'm not playing,'" Gronkowski told TMZ Sports.
Gronkowski previously retired in 2019 before returning with the Bucs a year later.
Should he make the trip up North, Gronkowski would be an instant luxury in an offense that already includes Dawson Knox. Adding Gronk to the mix would give the Bills far more dynamism in their two-TE sets while also lessening Gronkowski's workload in terms of blocking.
If the money is right, there could be a solid fit for both sides.
