Jan. 14, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders signed future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller before training camp opened in July. Washington signed the 36-year-old Miller to serve as a situational pass rusher for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

You know what they say about the best laid plans. The Commanders dealt with injuries all season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels played only seven games — a major reason why Miller signed with Washington — and the Commanders finished 5-12 and had one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

However, Miller had his best season since 2021, recording nine sacks. Miller ended up playing in all 17 games and participated in 420 defensive snaps, much more than he or the Commanders anticipated.

Miller wants to continue playing, preferably with the Commanders.

Or, so we thought.

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Last week, after Washington’s season ended, Miller, on his “Free Range” podcast, said the following:

“For me, personally, I would love to be a Commander again,” Miller said in reference to wanting to play in 2026. It was a stance he also expressed in December on his podcast.

Here’s Miller in December, stating he wants another chance to play for the Commanders:

Miller appeared to enjoy his one year in Washington, specifically playing for head coach Dan Quinn, whom he credits for taking care of him and other veterans.

Now, only a week later, it appears Miller either had a change of heart or forgot he said he wanted to remain with the Commanders.

It would make sense for Miller to want to return to Denver. That’s where he spent the first 10.5 seasons of his career, helping the Broncos win a Super Bowl. Miller acknowledged at one point that he approached Denver about a return last year, but the Broncos told him they were full at pass rusher.

Washington is expected to overhaul the edge rusher position in 2026. Dorance Armstrong, the Commanders’ top pass rusher, was having a career season before tearing his ACL in Week 7. He will be back. Also, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who missed most of last season with a torn pec, will return. Miller and Deatrich Wise will be free agents. Armstrong, Jean-Baptiste and Wise were all injured for the season between Weeks 2 and 7.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Washington move on from Miller. Not because they didn’t like him, but the team needs to get younger and faster, something GM Adam Peters acknowledged at the end of the season.