Rams’ powerhouse defense strengthens with trade for Super Bowl MVP Miller
The Denver Broncos are trading star linebacker Von Miller, the franchise’s career sacks leader and Super Bowl 50 MVP, to the Los Angeles Rams for two 2022 draft picks, a source has told the Associated Press. The person confirmed the deal first reported by ESPN.
The Rams are sending the Broncos a second- and third-round pick in the 2022 draft for the eight-time Pro Bowler, who led Denver to a 24-10 win in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season, which was Peyton Manning’s last in the NFL.
Miller missed Sunday’s 17-10 win over Washington with a sprained ankle.
On Monday, Miller told reporters at the Broncos’ training facility that it would be tough to leave the only NFL team he has ever played for.
“It’s still kind of hard to put into words, it’s still kind of raw, but thank you, thank everybody and off to LA,'’ Miller said.
“It’s still hard, you can’t really put it into words. Somebody told me once you want to make God laugh, then make plans. You’ve just got to keep going, keep taking it one day at a time, I’ve got a beautiful baby boy, had a lot of beautiful years here, lot of great memories, lot of great teammates, lot of great coaches, lot of great fans.'’
He was the AFC’s defensive player of the month for September when he had four sacks. He only had a half sack in October, but was still seen as a major gem for contending teams. The Broncos drafted Miller with the No 2 overall pick in 2011. Since then he has been named a first-team All-Pro on three occasions and a Pro-Bowler eight times.
In LA, he joins fellow stars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, the type of talent he hasn’t had around him since the Broncos were regular Super Bowl threats during Manning’s four seasons in Denver from 2012-15.
“Great team, I’ve been a huge fan of Aaron Donald for a long time,” Miller said on Monday. “They got a great defense ... I’m excited, always been a great teammate and I’m going to continue to do that.”