It finally happened. After weeks of manifesting himself with a star on his helmet this season, Von Miller has officially joined the Dallas Cowboys.
A DeSoto native, Miller had been hinting at a possible homecoming, dropping multiple not-so-cryptic posts on Instagram that not only communicated his desire to be a Cowboy but suggested that a move was in the works.
Miller may have wanted a homecoming, but Christian Parker clearly felt like his defensive front needed more pass rush juice. At long last, the Cowboys have some proven insurance behind projected starting OLBs Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Von Miller checks every single box for the Dallas Cowboys
As of this writing, Miller's contract details have not been disclosed. But assuming that Jerry Jones didn't double the former Super Bowl MVP's market value, it stands to reason they got a fair price. Who knows? Maybe Miller gave America's Team a little hometown discount.
Contract terms notwithstanding, what's there not to like about this move?
Rashan Gary brings a relatively high floor on one side of the line, but he's not an elite pass rusher. He fits Parker's scheme better than the one he played in Green Bay the last couple of years, so perhaps we'll see an uptick in efficiency.
Regardless, a team with Gary as its de facto No. 1 OLB or EDGE could use a pass-rush specialist in the rotation. Enter the NFL's active sack leader.
A similar logic applies to Donovan Ezeiruaku. The Cowboys are bullish on Ezeiruaku after a promising rookie year, but there's no guarantee he makes the Year 2 jump they're hoping for.
Grading the Cowboys' signing of Von Miller: A
It has to be an A.
With what Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark bring from the interior, Parker can ask Miller to pin his ears back and make life hell for opposing quarterbacks on third downs.
And while he'll likely be a designated pass rusher, the 37-year-old can still set the edge against the run. He's very similar to Jadeveon Clowney in that sense.
Don't underestimate the impact Miller could make late in games, too. Having a Super Bowl MVP on his resume is all the evidence you need that he shows up in high-leverage moments. Don't be shocked if Miller helps Dallas close out some tight games. His clutch gene could pay off in a big way, especially if the Cowboys make the playoffs.
And finally, Miller will only have a positive impact on the development of Ezeiruaku and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence. He also lessens the need for Lawrence to play significant snaps out of the gate.
Before Miller's arrival, the Cowboys may have had to force Lawrence onto the field. Now they can limit his playing time as he cleans up his false step and develops as an NFL edge defender.
Could Dallas use another linebacker and cornerback? Sure, but the defensive front badly needed a mercenary pass rusher -- arguably more than an LB or CB.
Miller is a home run pickup, and Jerry Jones and the front office deserve serious credit for equipping Christian Parker with what he needs to get this defense turned out.
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