The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 NFL season, with their sights set on a deep playoff run and a potential Super Bowl appearance. However, their defensive front, particularly the pass-rushing unit, remains a concern despite tying for eighth in the NFL with 45 sacks in 2024. To address this, analysts have urged the Packers to consider a blockbuster move: signing veteran edge rusher and two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller, who was recently released by the Buffalo Bills in March 2025.
Why Von Miller?
Von Miller, a future Hall of Fame candidate, brings a wealth of experience and proven production. With a career spanning over a decade, Miller has amassed 123.5 sacks, including a league-leading 17.5 in 2012, and has been a cornerstone of two Super Bowl-winning teams (Denver Broncos in 2015 and Los Angeles Rams in 2021). His release from Buffalo, where he recorded 3 sacks in 2024, was largely a cap-saving move, but at 36, Miller still possesses the athleticism and football IQ to make an impact as a situational pass rusher.
Sporting News highlighted Miller as a “potentially better option” than another veteran, Jadeveon Clowney, who was also linked to Green Bay. Unlike Clowney, Miller’s championship pedigree and ability to perform in high-stakes games make him an attractive fit for a Packers team looking to elevate its defense. The article notes that Green Bay already has promising pass rushers like Rashan Gary, but lacks a consistent complement, with no other edge rusher recording more than 4.5 sacks last season. Miller could fill that gap without the pressure of being the primary option.
The Financial Angle
Miller’s career earnings, estimated at over $120 million, reflect his status as one of the NFL’s premier defenders. However, his recent release makes him a free agent, potentially available at a lower cost than his previous contracts. For the Packers, who have historically prioritized drafting and developing talent over splashy free-agent signings, pursuing Miller would be a departure from their usual strategy. Yet, with approximately $17 million in cap space freed up if they resolve the ongoing contract situation with cornerback Jaire Alexander, Green Bay could afford a short-term deal for Miller.
The key is structuring a contract that minimizes risk. A one- or two-year deal with performance-based incentives would allow the Packers to bolster their pass rush while preserving flexibility for future roster moves. Miller’s veteran presence could also mentor younger players like Lukas Van Ness, a 2023 first-round pick who has yet to fully live up to expectations.
The Bigger Picture
Green Bay’s defense ranked in the middle of the pack in pass defense in 2024, and while their sack total was respectable, they struggled to generate consistent pressure, ranking in the bottom half of the league in pressures. Adding a player of Miller’s caliber could transform their defensive front, creating more opportunities for Gary and others by drawing attention from opposing offensive lines.
Moreover, the Packers are in a “win-now” mode with quarterback Jordan Love and a talented offensive unit featuring recent additions like Matthew Golden and Mecole Hardman. The team’s offseason moves, including bolstering the offensive line with Aaron Banks and drafting edge rushers like Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, signal a clear intent to compete for a championship in 2025. Signing Miller could be the final piece to push their defense over the edge.
Risks and Rewards
The gamble lies in Miller’s age and recent production. At 36, he’s no longer the dominant force he was in his prime, and his 3 sacks in 2024 raise questions about his remaining upside. Injuries have also been a factor in recent years, though he played in 12 games last season. For Green Bay, the low-pressure role described by analysts—where Miller complements rather than leads the pass rush—mitigates some of this risk.
On the reward side, Miller’s experience in big games is invaluable. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks in critical moments could prove decisive in playoff matchups against high-powered offenses like those of the Philadelphia Eagles or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, his leadership could galvanize a young Packers roster, much like his impact with the Rams during their 2021 Super Bowl run.
Alternative Options
While Miller is a compelling target, the Packers have been linked to other pass rushers. A proposed trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ star Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, would require significant draft capital and a massive contract extension, potentially upwards of $35 million annually. Similarly, a trade for New York Giants’ edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has been floated, though his inconsistent production and injury history make him a less certain bet.
Jadeveon Clowney, recently released by the Carolina Panthers, is another option. However, his journeyman career and lack of Miller’s postseason resume make him a less exciting choice. The Packers could also rely on internal development, hoping Van Ness or rookies like Sorrell and Oliver step up, but this approach carries more uncertainty for a team with immediate Super Bowl aspirations.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers stand at a crossroads as they prepare for the 2025 season. Signing Von Miller could be a bold, calculated gamble—a chance to add a proven, championship-caliber player to a roster brimming with potential. While not without risks, Miller’s experience, skill set, and potential affordability make him an intriguing fit for a team looking to make a “big play” in their Super Bowl pursuit. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Green Bay’s front office to see if they pull the trigger on this high-profile move.