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The San Francisco 49ers are at a crossroads. After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, marked by a mass exodus of defensive talent and a lackluster pass rush, the team is desperate to reclaim its status as an NFC powerhouse. With the bulk of free agency behind them and the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, opportunities to bolster the roster are dwindling. However, one tantalizing option remains: signing Von Miller, the veteran edge rusher and former Super Bowl MVP recently released by the Buffalo Bills. This move could be the spark the 49ers need to kick off May with a bang, ahead of their rookie minicamp on May 9-10.
A Pass Rush in Peril
The 49ers’ defense, once a fearsome unit that powered the team to Super Bowl appearances in 2019 and 2023, was a shell of its former self in 2024. The team ranked a dismal 23rd in sacks (37) and 27th in total pressures (117), a far cry from their 2023 performance (48 sacks, 8th in the NFL). The departure of key defensive linemen like Leonard Floyd, Javon Hargrave, and Maliek Collins, coupled with the free agency exits of cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Isaac Yiadom, left gaping holes in the roster. While Nick Bosa remains an elite force, he can’t carry the pass rush alone. The 49ers’ 2024 pressure rate of 18.9% (24th in the NFL) underscores the need for a complementary edge rusher who can exploit one-on-one matchups when opponents double-team Bosa.
Enter Von Miller, a 36-year-old veteran with a resume that speaks for itself: 129.5 career sacks, 171 tackles for loss, 256 quarterback hits, and 27 forced fumbles over 13 seasons. Miller, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the MVP of Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, was cut by the Buffalo Bills in March 2025 after three seasons. Despite his age, Miller proved he still has “juice” in 2024, recording 6 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 17 tackles in a rotational role. His 82.4 overall PFF grade (15th among 211 eligible defenders) and 83 pass rush grade (11th) demonstrate that he remains a disruptive force when deployed strategically.
Why Miller is the Perfect Fit
Signing Miller would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the 49ers, who currently have $38.8 million in cap space—enough to offer a one-year deal in the $5-7 million range, per Spotrac projections. Here’s why Miller is the ideal addition:
1. Rotational Pass Rush Specialist
At this stage of his career, Miller doesn’t need to play every snap. The 49ers can deploy him as a situational pass rusher, particularly in obvious passing downs (third-and-long or two-minute drills). His explosive first step and signature “ghost” move would allow him to “pin his ears back” and chase quarterbacks, complementing Bosa’s relentless pressure. In 2024, Miller averaged 4.1 pressures per game in limited snaps with Buffalo, a rate that would have ranked him among the 49ers’ top performers. Pairing him with Bosa and rookie Mykel Williams, selected 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, could create a three-headed monster that overwhelms offensive lines.
2. Mentorship for Mykel Williams
The 49ers’ investment in Williams, a raw but athletic edge rusher from Georgia, signals their intent to rebuild the defensive front. However, Williams’ transition to the NFL could be rocky without proper guidance. Miller, one of the greatest pass rushers in league history, is uniquely qualified to mentor him. Having learned from legends like DeMarcus Ware early in his career, Miller understands the importance of passing the torch. His presence in the locker room and on the practice field could accelerate Williams’ development, teaching him techniques like hand-fighting and bend around the edge—skills Miller has mastered over a decade-plus in the NFL.
3. A Proven Winner for a Contender
Miller has made it clear he only wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, and despite their 2024 struggles, the 49ers fit the bill. With Kyle Shanahan at the helm, Brock Purdy poised for a bounce-back year, and the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the 49ers are positioned to reclaim the NFC West in 2025. Miller’s experience in high-stakes games—evidenced by his 2.5 sacks and 4 QB hits in Super Bowl 50—would provide a calming veteran presence for a team looking to rediscover its swagger. His leadership could be the X-factor in tight playoff matchups against rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles or Detroit Lions.
Addressing the Risks
No signing is without concerns, and Miller’s age and recent history raise valid questions. At 36, he’s no longer the every-down player who dominated in his prime. A 2022 ACL tear and a four-game suspension in 2024 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy (stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident, though no charges were filed) could give teams pause. Additionally, his production has declined from his peak years (e.g., 19.5 sacks in 2012), and he’s best suited for 20-25 snaps per game rather than a full workload.
However, the 49ers are well-equipped to mitigate these risks. Their defensive line rotation, which includes Yetur Gross-Matos and Sam Okuayinonu, can handle early-down duties, preserving Miller for pass-rush situations. His 2024 PFF grades suggest he’s still effective when used sparingly, and the 49ers’ sports science staff—renowned for managing veteran players—can keep him fresh. As for off-field concerns, Miller has expressed remorse and completed NFL-mandated counseling, and his release from Buffalo was primarily a cap-saving move, not a reflection of character issues.
The Bigger Picture: A Win-Win Scenario
For the 49ers, signing Miller is a chance to address a glaring weakness while adding a leader who can mentor their top draft pick. For Miller, it’s an opportunity to chase a third Super Bowl ring with a team that aligns with his championship aspirations. The 49ers’ defensive scheme under Saleh, which emphasizes speed and aggression, is a perfect fit for Miller’s skill set. His ability to draw attention from blockers would free up Bosa and Williams, potentially elevating the 49ers’ pass rush into the top 10 in 2025.
Moreover, this move aligns with GM John Lynch’s philosophy of taking calculated risks on proven veterans. Past signings like Richard Sherman (2018) and Javon Hargrave (2023) show Lynch’s willingness to bet on players with something left in the tank. With $38.8 million in cap space, the 49ers can afford to make this splash without jeopardling their ability to extend Purdy or pursue other free agents like Asante Samuel Jr. or Davante Adams, as suggested in other Golden Gate Sports articles.
The Path Forward
As the 49ers prepare for their rookie minicamp on May 9-10, signing Miller would send a message to the NFL: San Francisco is all-in on 2025. A one-year deal with incentives (e.g., bonuses for sacks or playoff appearances) would minimize financial risk while maximizing impact. If Miller delivers even 8-10 sacks as a rotational player, he could be the difference between another lost season and a deep playoff run.
The 49ers’ faithful are hungry for a return to glory. By bringing in a future Hall of Famer like Von Miller, the team can reignite the spark that made them one of the NFL’s most feared franchises. It’s time for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to make this blockbuster move and give the Bay Area something to cheer about.