Should Jacksonville Jaguars target potential FA Von Miller?

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to add defensive talent to their roster this offseason and should consider pursuing Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller if he hits the open market.

Dan Graziano of ESPN originally reported that the Broncos were likely to decline Miller’s 2021 team option, which would pay him $18 million to play in ‘Mile High’ this season. However, Benjamin Allbright of KOA Newsradio later clarified the original report and said Denver hasn’t made a decision yet but would like to keep the Texas A&M standout.

Allbright wrote in another post that the Broncos would like to work out an extension or restructure Miller’s contract. At this point, it seems like the ball is on the veteran linebacker’s court. Although he had previously expressed his desire to finish his NFL career in Denver, he could hit the open market and become one of the most coveted free agents even though he missed the 2020 season with an ankle injury.

Miller, the second-overall pick in 2011, has logged 106 sacks, 490 total tackles (135 for a loss), two interceptions, 21 passes defensed, and 26 forced fumbles in his ten-year career. He’s also earned eight Pro Bowl nods, three First-Team All-Pro designations, and had missed just nine games before 2020. Moreover, he was a key cog on the 2015 Broncos Super Bowl team and was named the game’s MVP.

Would it make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to pursue Von Miller?

The ‘Jags’ are projected to have $77 million in cap space and will be able to make a few impact signings in free agency. If Miller hits the open market, it’s unlikely he will command the $18 mill he is set to make in Denver. However, they should be a high demand for his services, and should have no trouble getting a contract that would pay him around $15 million per year.

Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen is coming back from a knee injury but should be fully healthy while K’Lavon Chaisson showed flashes of pass-rush prowess late in the 2020 season. Both should have better production under new defensive coordinator Joe Cullen. However, Miller would solidify Jacksonville’s front four and help them consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, something they struggled to do last year.

The Jaguars’ medical staff would need to clear Miller but if he’s given the green light, the team’s brass should strongly considering signing him. On the other hand, if the ‘Jags’ decide to make just one splash signing this offseason, they may be better off addressing the left tackle position.