Chicago Bears Free Agency: Outside Linebackers
Von Miller — Denver Broncos
Miller is the top dog in free agency this offseason. He is one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL, and is a very good run stopper as well. This season, he had 35 tackles, 11.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
For his career, Miller has 267 tackles, 60.0 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
Miller was the Broncos’ first round pick (second overall) in the 2011 NFL. draft. His first coach was, wait for it, John Fox, so Fox is familiar with how Miller can change the fortunes of a defense.
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"He’s a tremendous talent. As a pass-rusher, he has great first-step explosion. He can convert speed to power. He’s a guy where, you better know where he is on the field at all times. I think he’s improved since 2011. They’re playing really good defense, the best that’s being played in the league right now, statistically speaking, and he’s a big part of that."
Miller is the type of player who makes his teammates better. The secondary does not have to worry about getting beat deep, since Miller will put pressure on the quarterback and force him to hurry his throw. He is able to disrupt a runner, so when he tries to cut back, a big defensive lineman or an inside linebacker will be there to make a tackle.
The Chicago Bears will make a point of improving the defense. They did a good job of improving the unit this season, and with the extra money they have they will prioritize the defense once more.
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Getting Miller may be difficult, however. The Broncos have the choice of slapping the franchise tag on him should they not agree to a long-term deal. They may decide that the tag may be too expensive. Whatever the case, it will be interesting to see how the Von Miller saga turns out and whether the Chicago Bears can get in on the action.