Von Miller signing could quietly end one Commanders career before it begins

Adam Peters bided his time in pursuit of strengthening the Washington Commanders' pass-rushing options. The general manager got his guy in the end, signing accomplished veteran Von Miller to a one-year deal just a few days before training camp.

And the move could potentially end one player's Commanders journey before it begins.

Miller is firmly at the tail-end of his future Pro Football Hall of Fame career. His snap percentage has dropped significantly over the last two years with the Buffalo Bills, although he did secure six sacks in 2024. This is nothing more than a short-term solution, but it could legitimately go either way.

It's another sign that the Commanders are going all in to win a Super Bowl this season. Miller has been chasing another ring for years, and he believes Washington provides the best spot to ride off into the sunset with another Vince Lombardi trophy to show for his efforts.

Just how much he's got left in the tank is debatable. Even so, there's some merit to the move if he's placed as a situational pass-rushing threat.

Jacob Martin could be hardest hit by Commanders' signing Von Miller

This doesn't bode well for others looking for playing time. Jacob Martin could be the hardest hit, especially considering he was the man originally projected to fill the void left by Dante Fowler Jr. after he departed for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

Martin is younger than Miller, but that's about where his positives end in comparison. One is a three-time All-Pro with 129.5 career sacks. The other is a journeyman backup with 21 quarterback takedowns in seven years.

Peters is not running a charity. The respected front-office leader knew the Commanders were short of legitimate edge options. Miller might not strike fear into opposing offensive lines like he did at the peak of his powers, but he instantly becomes an upgrade on Martin.

The stakes have been raised for Martin. He probably knew that more competition was coming in some capacity. What's important for the player is displaying the correct work ethic and resolve to carve out a role for himself on the 53-man roster.

That's not as set in stone as it was just a few days ago. Miller's arrival has changed everything from his perspective. If the response isn't positive, the Commanders could easily move into Week 1 against the New York Giants without him.

Martin has a new challenge, and it's a much stiffer one. But all hope is not lost just yet, despite the Commanders swinging for the fences with Miller.

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