Washington Commanders
· 2026-07-11
Washington Commanders veteran Von Miller has publicly reversed his stance, saying the decision to sign with Washington instead of the Seattle Seahawks was the wrong move for his career. The 35‑year‑old edge rusher, who posted nine sacks in 2025, now questions a choice he once defended on his podcast.
Miller signed a one‑year deal on July 21, 2025, attracted by the promise of playing alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. He praised Daniels’ poise and hinted the young signal‑caller could lead the Commanders to a Super Bowl run. At the time, Miller claimed he would pick Washington “10 times out of 10” over Seattle, citing the potential of a rising offense and a defense that needed his pass‑rush experience.
The 2025 campaign turned chaotic. Injuries decimated the roster: Daniels missed ten games, McLaurin sat out seven, and top rusher Dorance Armstrong tore his ACL in Week 7. Miller ended up on the field for every game, starting three and snapping up 37 % of defensive plays—far more than the team projected. He led Washington with nine sacks, his highest total since 2021, but the unit struggled to stop opponents. The Commanders finished 5‑12, now 14th in the NFC and riding a one‑game winning streak as of July 11, 2026.
During a recent “89” podcast with Steve Smith and James Palmer, Miller admitted, “Obviously, I picked the wrong team on that one.” He cited the Seahawks’ dominant defense and their eventual Super Bowl victory as evidence that Seattle would have been a better fit. Miller also acknowledged that injuries across the board made his original calculations impossible. He still respects Seattle’s scheme but now wonders if his career trajectory would have been different.
Miller’s admission fuels speculation about his 2026 plans. He has urged the Denver Broncos, his original team, to bring him back, while also hinting at a possible return to Washington if the club reshapes its roster. However, the Commanders have already added edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, plus a fifth‑round pick Joshua Josephs. With Armstrong set to return from injury, the depth chart appears crowded, leaving little room for a 35‑year‑old veteran.
Washington’s next test arrives on September 13, 2026, when they host the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup will be a litmus test for the revamped pass rush and the health of Daniels, who hopes to finally prove the promise that once convinced Miller. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the Commanders can climb out of the NFC’s lower tier and silence doubts about their veteran acquisitions.