The Los Angeles Rams are going all in this 2021 NFL season. The Rams made quite a splash a day before the trade deadline, acquiring star linebacker Von Miller from the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal. The Rams surrendered their second-round and third-round picks in the 2022 draft to nab Miller, the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
It is now or never for the Rams, who already gave away their first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 to the Detroit Lions in the Matthew Stafford trade. As part of the agreement, the Broncos will pay the bulk of Miller's remaining base salary for the nine remaining games in the regular season, with Denver shelling out $9 million.
Miller filled with emotions after shock trade
After the deal was announced, Miller was emotional, telling reporters he was caught by surprise with the trade. Miller said, "It's still kind of hard to put into words. It's still kind of raw, but thank you, thank everybody, and off to L.A.'' Miller reminisced about his time in Denver, saying he "had a lot of beautiful years here, lot of great memories, lot of great teammates, lot of great coaches, lot of great fans.''
Miller had good things to say about his new team, saying that he has been a huge fan of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald for a long time. Miller said that he is excited to be part of a great defense and that he hopes to play in Week 9 when the Los Angeles Rams host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football.
Miller has played seven games for the Broncos this season, recording 4.5 sacks with nine QB hits. Miller had eight sacks in 15 games in the 2019 season but missed the entire 2020 campaign because of an ankle injury.
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Miller leaves Denver a legend
He was John Elway's first draft pick (second overall) as Denver's top football decision-maker in 2011, and that selection paid dividends, with Miller winning the MVP award in Super Bowl 50. Miller has had a stellar career in Denver, racking up 110.5 sacks, 225 QB hits, and 142 tackles for a loss. He has earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro three times.
With Miller's departure, kicker Brandon McManus is the only remaining player on the Broncos roster who played in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. The Broncos made the trade as Miller is set to be an unrestricted free agent following this season.
Miller now has an excellent opportunity to double his Super Bowl tally with the Rams, who currently lead the NFC standings with a 7-1 record. He should be a seamless fit with Los Angeles, whose system stems from Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme.
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