Los Angeles Rams finalize a trade with the Denver Broncos. The Rams have traded two 2022 draft picks in exchange for Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller, per ESPN. The Rams will send the Broncos a second and a third-round pick in 2022.
The Broncos are forced to pay $9 million of Miller’s previous base salary for the remaining nine games throughout the regular season. Miller, a pillar of this franchise and community, hosted a Halloween party recently at Denver’s complex, Sunday night. Monday morning, he reached out to say his goodbyes to his coaches and teammates, per sources.
Broncos trade LB Von Miller to Rams. (via @JamesPalmerTV) pic.twitter.com/sWykzcmRDy
— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2021
Von Miller’s Legacy as a Denver Bronco
Miller has earned the right to get his jersey retired as a Bronco. He was Hall of Famer quarterback John Elway’s first draft pick as the team’s general manager in 2011. Miller was in his final year of a six-year $114.5 million contract. He signed this huge deal shortly after winning the Super Bowl and becoming Super Bowl 50 MVP. The following season, Miller is scheduled to be a free agent.
Veteran kicker Brandon McManus and Miller were the last two remaining players on the roster from Super Bowl 50.
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, spoke recently with the media moments before Miller was traded. He emphasized that the deadline was approaching and that “several” teams expressed interest; however, he gave no specifics.
“I told him to do whatever he needs to do and we’re going to coach and coach winning football with what we’ve got,” Fangio said. “I’ve not tried to influence him one way or another.”
Miller is the league’s active career sack leader with 110.5 sacks. He’s easily one of the most decorated players in team history with eight Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro selections, and made an all-decade team.
Miller’s Thoughts on the Matter
Ironically, Miller was asked this past week about the nearby trade deadline and the teams’ struggles. The Broncos started out winning their first three games and then continued to lose the last four. When asked about the losing streak here’s what Miller had to say:
“No, I can’t really control any of that. I’m here with these guys and I love all these guys — whether we lose or not. I can say that all these coaches, all these equipment managers, the media guys — everybody. I genuinely love these guys … While I’m here, while my key card still works, and while I’m a Denver Bronco, I’m going to continue to keep trying to fix it. I’m going to continue to try to do my part to put us back on the mountaintop. I’m going to continue to try to be the type of franchise that this franchise has been historical.”