Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller will be facing a little less uncertainty this offseason, following a favorable decision made by the District Attorney’s Office in Colorado.
The 31-year-old linebacker faced a criminal investigation in January following alarming allegations that he physically and mentally abused his ex-fiancee. At the time of the investigation, Miller was already on the roster bubble as a potential cap casualty due to the shrinking 2021 NFL salary cap.
Denver Broncos rumors: Von Miller expected to depart in 2021
While Miller still faces plenty of uncertainty regarding his future with the Broncos, the legal matter surrounding the star edge rusher is now resolved.
Criminal investigation into Von Miller ends, charges dropped
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported Saturday night that the criminal investigation into the allegations against Miller is wrapped up and concluded there was insufficient evidence to move forward with charges.
The district attorney’s office for the 18th Judicial District determined that the evidence didn’t meet the standards for admissible evidence. As a result, based on the review of information, charges can’t be pursued at this time.
Specifics regarding the alleged incident, namely what happened and when it occurred, never came to light. Days before the charges were dropped, Denver’s general manager George Paton talked about the “serious situation” involving Miller, but indicated the organization wanted to bring him back for the 2021 season.
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With the matter resolved, the Broncos now face a decision. Cutting Miller would create $18 million in cap space, money that could go directly toward a long-term extension for safety Justin Simmons. Denver already made a series of cuts this offseason, releasing A.J. Bouye, Jurrell Casey and Kyle Peko.
With more than $30 million in cap space, the Broncos have multiple needs on the defensive side and are in the market for a quarterback who can compete with Drew Lock for the starting job in 2021.
Miller missed the 2020 season after suffering a season-ending ankle injury at practice on Sept. 8. Before that, he registered eight sacks in the 2019 season and recorded 10-plus sacks each year from 2014-’18. If the eight-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro linebacker doesn’t want to take a pay cut, he will likely be released.
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Given the off-field issue is settled, there would likely be a number of NFL contenders interested in bolstering their pass rush with Miller’s talent.