Miller was due to make $17.5 million in 2025, but after recording 14 sacks in three seasons, the soon-to-be 36-year-old pass rusher simply wasn’t worth the money he was due. That said, both sides are reportedly open to a return, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, so this may not be the last we see of Miller in a Bills uniform. After winning the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021, Miller joined the Bills on a six-year, $120 million deal during the 2022 offseason. Injuries limited him to just 36 regular season games with the Bills during his tenure, while the 14 sacks he amassed were his fewest in any three years during his career. In 2023, Miller failed to record a sack despite appearing in 12 games. Miller is in the twilight of his career. Currently ranked 16th in all-time sacks, Miller totaled six sacks and 32 pressures last season, per PFF. He could still find work as a situational pass rusher in 2025, but he may have to wait to see how free agency and the draft unfold before signing a deal. His release will save the Bills $8.4 million against their 2025 cap number.

Gaughan examines how the Bills need to create cap space and releasing Miller is the easiest way to do it. If Miller is a post-June 1 cut, the Bills can lower his cap figure down to $6.37 million and save $14.77 million. If they release him without the June 1 designation in March, it’s an $8.4 million savings. Miller, who turns 36 in March, recorded six sacks in a reserve role last season. The three-time All-Pro selection and Super Bowl 50 MVP signed a six-year, $120 million contract with Buffalo in 2022, after spending 10 seasons with the Broncos and Rams, winning a pair of Super Bowl titles.

Miller was suspended at the beginning of October for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, missing Week 5 through Week 8. He will likely immediately return to a situational pass rush role for a Bills team surging up the AFC leaderboard.

He’ll be eligible to return in Week 9 against the Dolphins. Miller had three sacks and five tackles in four games so far this season, rejuvenating himself after a zero-sack 2023. Only a situational pass rusher at this point, Miller will be missed but isn’t exactly a linchpin piece of the Buffalo defense anymore. It’s a slight upgrade for the Texans passing attack this week.