The Dallas Cowboys are bolstering their defensive unit with additional experienced talent. According to ESPN, veteran pass rusher Von Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is slated to agree to a one-season deal with Dallas, sending one of the premier unsigned players still available on the market to the NFC East franchise. Since his single-year agreement with the Washington Commanders concluded, Miller had been looking for his next destination.
For the initial decade and a half of his highly decorated career, Miller suited up for the Denver Broncos, but once this latest agreement becomes official, he will have cycled through five different teams over a six-year span.
This frequent movement between organizations serves as an indication that Miller is entering the twilight of his playing days. Another indicator is his transition to a primary backup role during the past three seasons. Given that Rashan Gary is firmly established as a starting outside linebacker and sophomore defender Donovan Ezeiruaku is taking on more responsibility as a situational starter, a guaranteed starting role is not readily available for Miller atop the depth chart.
It is possible that Miller will occupy a role comparable to the one Jadeveon Clowney held during the 2025 season. Clowney arrived in Dallas on a one-season contract to serve as a key rotational edge defender, even if he did not regularly start. Following Clowney’s departure, a distinct void opened up for an experienced presence to guide a youthful and still largely unproven group of pass rushers.
Despite starting only three of the 17 matches he played in during his brief tenure with Washington, Miller managed to record nine sacks last season, marking his highest output in a single year since 2018. If he can produce at a similar level for Dallas, he could play a vital role in elevating a defense that desperately needs to improve.
Last season, Dallas finished 26th in sack percentage and gave up a league-high 4,521 passing yards. Adding one of the most prolific defensive weapons in league history to help shore up this massive deficiency could be highly beneficial, even if Miller is no longer in his prime.
Dallas persists in reshaping its edge defense
The pass-rush group in Dallas has remained highly unstable following the stunning trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last offseason. Management’s reluctance to offer Parsons a top-tier contract resulted in the loss of a generational talent, fueling the defensive breakdowns that ultimately derailed the season and wasted a highly productive offense.
In the wake of that blockbuster trade, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has executed several transactions to piece back together the unit he broke apart. Although the group is still lacking, the groundwork has been laid for this pass-rushing corps to eventually excel. Ezeiruaku shows great promise in his second year, first-round selection Malachi Lawrence possesses immense upside, third-round pick Jaishawn Barham has the potential to develop along the edge, while experienced leaders like Miller and Rashan Gary can stabilize the unit as these younger players mature.
