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Von Miller returning to the Denver Broncos? The pros and cons of his return

By Nicholas Manning

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Von Miller, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos OLB Von Miller. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Cons to keeping Von Miller

Injuries

Miller entered the 2020 season in phenomenal shape and was primed to wreak havoc on the NFL. This was before he suffered a pretty gruesome injury to his ankle, causing him to miss the entire 2020 season.

Though it seems Miller looked healthy as he walked the practice fields at the end of the 2020 season, knowing if he is “all the way back” is not quite certain.

Banking on Miller to get healthier as he ages go against the trend of science. Injuries to areas like the ankle can have residual effects on the body as you compensate, and cause stress in other areas leading to further injuries.

To keep him past this season, the team must feel really confident in his ability to remain healthy and that last year was simply a “freak accident”.

The recent injury makes his return a gamble, no matter how you slice it.

Age

Adding the injury history to the team’s desire to get younger just makes Miller’s return questionable.

Miller turns 32 this month and after missing all of last season it is tough to know what kind of player you will get for the cost it will take to keep him.

The team has made moves already, signaling the team wants to get younger. Moving on from Jurrell Casey and A.J. Bouye shows the team is trending towards youth.

With Miller’s age, he may not fit the team’s plan as it moves through a rebuild. By the time this team competes with the AFC’s elite, he may be far past his prime.

Off-field distraction

Miller is facing an off-field investigation in Parker, Colorado with the perception of alleged domestic abuse involving his former fiancee.

The Parker Police Department will not charge Miller, and the case did not amount to much, but the distraction (to say the least) is very real.

Miller, a leader within the organization, has had his false steps along his journey in Denver.

The Broncos having such a youthful team, may feel that this is a good time to cut all distractions with their embattled superstar and move on this offseason.

A decision by the Parker D.A. to not charge Miller makes a new deal with Miller more possible but didn’t take away from the drama. Either way, Miller’s ability to keep himself out of the news may be too much for Paton as he continues to focus on building a culture of winning with his new franchise.

Overall, look for a decision on Miller to happen soon. Whatever happens, only time will tell if the pros outweigh the cons on Miller returning or leaving the Broncos.

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