Breaking News: Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Edge Rusher Hit with 4-Game Suspension.
The Buffalo Bills defense, already weakened by the absence of two All-Pro players and a rising star, has taken another hit with the suspension of their top pass rusher for the next four weeks.
Aside from a Week 4 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Bills haven’t faced many challenges in the 2024 season. However, following that defeat, the team learned that defensive end Von Miller has been suspended for four games, sidelining him until October 28, after Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Miller’s suspension stems from a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, linked to a domestic violence incident in November of last year. During the Bills’ bye week, an arrest warrant was issued in Dallas, accusing Miller of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. He turned himself in, posted bail, and continued playing for the rest of the season.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane commented that the team will let the legal process unfold, describing the incident as out of character for Miller, whom they’ve come to know well over the years. The NFL considered placing Miller on the commissioner’s exempt list during their investigation but didn’t follow through. This summer, the legal case was closed after no charges were filed, with Miller’s girlfriend stating that he had not assaulted her.
Now, ahead of Week 5 of the 2024 season, the NFL has completed its investigation and issued Miller’s suspension. The timing adds to the struggles for a Bills defense already missing key players, including All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, All-Pro nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, and promising middle linebacker Terrel Bernard. Despite these setbacks, the defense had held up well until Sunday’s loss to the Ravens, where their run game exposed weaknesses. Opposing teams may target that vulnerability even more with Miller’s absence.
Miller, who took a significant pay cut to remain with the team as they restructured their roster, has seen his salary reduced from $17.5 million to $8.654 million, with $7 million converted to a signing bonus. His suspension will only cost him $333,000 of his $1.5 million salary.
Before this suspension, Miller had been off to a strong start, recording three sacks in the first three games of the season. After struggling with an ACL tear from 2022, he seemed to be regaining his form. However, his suspension now puts more strain on an already injury-depleted Bills defense as they prepare for key matchups against the Texans, Jets, and Seahawks.
