Commanders' Von Miller just said something fans never expected

The Washington Commanders signed Von Miller late into the summer. They had grave concerns about their edge rushing unit, so general manager Adam Peters acquired a future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer who could provide some short-term relief as a rotational presence.

Miller has flashed moments of quality. He's not the dominant game-wrecker of previous years, but nobody expected him to be. And the fact that Washington is dealing with so many health problems in their pass-rushing unit isn't exactly helping matters either.

Most fans thought that this would be Miller's swansong before riding off into retirement. The Commanders represented a shot to win another Super Bowl for the player, but it hasn't paid off. But amid the ongoing disappointment, the former Texas A&M standout isn't ready to call time on his NFL journey just yet.

Von Miller wants to stay with the Commanders beyond 2025

During the latest edition of his Free Range podcast, Miller highlighted his desire to keep playing beyond 2025. He also wants to stay in Washington, highlighting head coach Dan Quinn as a significant reason.

Hopefully, I can still be here with the Washington Commanders. If I’m able to be in an environment like this with the coaching staff, like DQ [Dan Quinn] ... I can definitely play next year.Von Miller

He will be 37 years old next season. He's got nothing left to prove, but the fire still burns brightly within the player. The Commanders are doing a good job of managing Miller's reps and practice time this season. However, they also have a desperate need to get younger and more explosive on the edge.

Peters didn't do enough to strengthen Washington's pass-rushing options during the offseason. Nobody can deny that now, so the young front-office leader cannot make the same mistakes.

It needs the right investment — whether it's a high-end draft pick or targeting a marquee free agent. The Commanders need a change in direction, and those plans might not include Miller in the end.

Miller has four sacks from 35 percent of Washington's defensive snaps, but his powers have waned considerably. Father Time has caught up with the Super Bowl 50 MVP, so it would be a massive surprise if his stay with the Commanders were anything more than a one-year arrangement.

The Commanders need a seismic shift in their approach. They cannot keep relying on aging veterans who are way past their prime. The NFL's oldest roster looks like it, and although the injury problems haven't helped, failing to generate consistent pressure has played a leading role in their undoing.  

And while Miller wants to continue his glittering career, it's unlikely that he will be in Washington when push comes to shove.