Why did Von Miller leave the Denver Broncos?

Former Denver offensive linebacker Von Miller is playing his twelfth season in the NFL. He started his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and played for them for nine and a half seasons. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams mid-season in 2021 and helped them win a Super Bowl last year.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller hit free agency after the 2021 season and later signed a fruitful six-year, $120 million deal to head into his 12th season at the age of 33.

Von Miller was among the best players associated with the Broncos, and his trade deal with the Rams shocked everyone. During his time with the Denver Broncos, Von Miller was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2011. He has made eight Pro Bowl appearances and has three first-team All-Pro selections.

Why did Von Miller leave Denver Broncos?

Buffalo Bills v Los Angeles Rams

Miller had always wanted to play for the Denver Broncos and considered retiring as a Bronco. But the franchise had other plans for him. Denver traded Miller to the Rams mid-season in 2021 in exchange for second and third-round picks in the 2022 NFL draft. In an interview, Von Miller said:

“It feels good for the city to understand that and for them to know that this wasn’t my choice. I always wanted to retire a Denver Bronco, and I’ll always be a Denver Bronco forever. I’m just here working in LA right now.”

Denver had many reasons to trade Von Miller. Although Miller shared a good bond with the franchise, his contract was coming to an end. His growing age and health issues must have also concerned the Broncos, which led them to contact other teams for trade options. Miller missed the entire 2020 season because of an injured ankle.

You won't find any legendary players in the Broncos who were asked to leave the team mid-season. John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Floyd Little ended their careers with the franchise as champions. Gary Zimmerman, Karl Mecklenburg, Randy Gradishar, Louis Wright, Rod Smith, and Rick Upchurch retired on their own terms, and Terrell Davis' injury forced him to end his football career.

However, Shannon Sharpe left the Broncos as the Baltimore Ravens offered him a better deal. But that, too, was his own choice, and the Broncos did not trade him in the middle of the season. Sharpe returned to the Broncos in 2002 and, the very next season, hung up his cleats in an orange and blue uniform.

There were speculations that Miller might return to the Broncos after the Super Bowl win last season, but he found a better opportunity elsewhere.

The Rams, too, wanted to extend his contract and offered him a three-year deal with a two-year guarantee. Miller believed he could have stayed a bit longer with the Rams, but a six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills that comes with a three-year guarantee was a far better opportunity for his football career.

Miller has won two Super Bowls while playing with his last two teams. The Buffalo Bills are the favorites to win the Super Bowl in the 2022-23 season. Can Miller win his third Super Bowl ring while playing for his third team?