The Dallas Cowboys added veteran pass rusher Von Miller this offseason, giving their defense a much-needed veteran presence.
While Miller is no longer the player he was in his prime, he can still provide valuable pass-rushing ability and leadership.
Dallas can use him in a rotational role to keep him fresh while giving its younger edge rushers a chance to learn from one of the best pass rushers of his generation.
Von Miller’s Historic Production
Entering his 15th season in the NFL, Miller continues to prove that age is just a number. Last season, Miller played in all 17 games, started three, and recorded nine sacks, which would have led the Cowboys.
Even if he records half as many sacks this season, he could still provide a major boost to Dallas’ pass rush. The Cowboys do not need Miller to return to his 2010s form, but a handful of pressures and sacks could help take this defense to the next level.
Snap Count/Role
For this signing to work, Dallas does not need Miller to be an every-down player like he was earlier in his career.
Instead, the Cowboys can use him as a rotational edge rusher in specific situations. An ideal role for Miller would be around 20-30 snaps per game, primarily on third-and-long and other obvious passing downs.
This would let Miller stay fresh and maximize his pass-rushing ability without unnecessary wear and tear. A more limited snap count would also help keep him ready for a potential playoff run.
Scheme Fit
Von Miller is a violent, quick-edge rusher with exceptional hands and bend that allow him to win around the edge. While Miller can use his power and bull rush, he makes his biggest impact with his quick, strong hands and an elite-level get-off that other pass rushers on the Cowboys don’t have.
That is exactly what Dallas needs at weak-side linebacker. Currently, the only players at the position are Rashan Gary and James Houston. Both are powerful edge rushers who like to attack the inside or use a bull rush to drive linemen into the quarterback.
Adding Miller gives Dallas the speed and versatility to rush the passer in different ways, which is something the Cowboys desperately need at the position.
Mentorship
Von Miller is one of the NFL’s most decorated pass rushers of the past decade and a half.
Over his 14-year NFL career, he has recorded 138.5 sacks and 177 tackles for loss, along with eight Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro selections, three second-team All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl titles.
He was also named the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.
That level of experience and excellence is rare today.
Miller is joining a relatively young and inexperienced Dallas linebacker room that is begging for a veteran presence and mentorship to take their players to the next level.
Someone Must Go
Adding Von Miller means one thing for the edge rusher room: someone must go.
Before Miller’s arrival, Dallas had six edge rushers likely to make the 53-man roster: Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams and Marist Liufau.
Miller, Gary, Ezeiruaku, Lawrence and Houston were essentially locks to make the roster; that leaves Williams and Liufau competing for one remaining spot.
Unfortunately, with Liufau designated to the reserves, Williams became the odd man out.
Though both have shown the tools to be effective rotational players for Dallas, circumstances went the wrong way for the young edge rusher.
Still, adding Von Miller brings a much-needed veteran presence and production that can truly change the outlook for the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 defense.
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