The Dallas Cowboys have spent much of the offseason rebuilding a defense that needed significant changes after a disastrous 2025 season. Now, they have added one of the most accomplished pass rushers in NFL history to the mix.
Dallas agreed to terms with veteran edge rusher Von Miller, bringing the Texas native and former Texas A&M star home for his 16th NFL season. At 37 years old, Miller might not be the dominant Defensive Player of the Year-caliber player he once was, but that does not mean he can’t make an impact.
In fact, the Cowboys might be the perfect team for Miller at this stage of his career.
Miller doesn’t have to carry the pass rush
The biggest reason Miller fits Dallas is simple: the Cowboys don’t need him to be their No. 1 pass rusher.
Dallas has completely revamped its defensive front under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Rashan Gary gives the Cowboys an established threat off the edge, while Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark provide experience and talent on the interior. You also have young edge rushers as well in the fold like Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence.
That supporting cast should allow Miller to settle into a specialized role instead of being asked to consistently handle a massive workload.
Last season with the Washington Commanders, Miller showed exactly how effective he can still be in that type of situation. Despite playing just 37% of Washington’s defensive snaps, Miller finished the year with nine sacks.
Dallas can follow a similar formula.
Rather than asking Miller to play 60 or 70 snaps every Sunday, the Cowboys can preserve him for obvious passing situations and unleash him on third downs. With Williams and Clark demanding attention inside and Gary or Lawrence threatening from another spot, offenses could have a difficult time deciding where to send protection.
His experience adds another dimension
Miller’s value also goes beyond his sack total.
Few players understand the art of rushing the passer better than Miller. Over his career, he has developed an extensive collection of moves and an ability to recognize how offensive linemen and protections are trying to stop him.
That knowledge could be especially valuable for Dallas’ younger pass rushers.
The Cowboys have invested heavily in the future of their defensive front with players such as first-round pick Malachi Lawrence and Donovan Ezeiruaku. Miller’s presence gives those players an opportunity to learn from a future Hall of Famer without Dallas needing to force them into oversized roles immediately.
Miller also knows what winning at the highest level looks like. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and was named Super Bowl MVP after helping the Denver Broncos defeat the Carolina Panthers.
For a Cowboys team attempting to build a different defensive identity, that experience matters.
Christian Parker has another weapon
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the signing is what Miller could provide Parker schematically.
Parker was on Denver’s coaching staff during part of Miller’s final season with the Broncos in 2021, giving the two at least some familiarity with one another.
Now Parker gets to incorporate Miller into a defense that suddenly has plenty of different ways to attack opposing quarterbacks.
Miller can line up on the edge, move around the formation and be deployed specifically in situations that maximize what he still does best: get after the quarterback.
If Miller can remain productive in a limited role, generate pressure in critical situations and help Dallas’ younger defenders develop, he could become one of the Cowboys’ most important offseason additions.
The Cowboys needed more juice for their pass rush.
Miller gives them exactly that — without having to carry the entire defense on his shoulders.
