​NFL free agency decisions can be tricky. As veteran voices like Von Miller will tell you, it isn’t simply about chasing the biggest paycheck or finding a place that feels closest to home. It’s also not a straightforward formula for picking the team most likely to win a championship, then trusting you’ll walk away with a ring. Every year players chase rings, but only a select few land with the right squad. Sometimes a player signs with what he believes is a top contender and then misses the postseason entirely. That was the case for Miller last season when he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders. Now, at 37, the payday or the dream of a title didn’t materialize in the expected way, and Miller has openly admitted he would have preferred Seattle instead. “Obviously I picked the wrong team on that one,” he remarked after the fact. injuries hindered Washington’s success a season ago, but the bigger question remains: which franchise should Miller target for 2026?
There are several compelling options to consider. Depending on how Jonathon Cooper’s legal matters unfold, the Denver Broncos could suddenly face a need for another pass-rusher. Miller would fit as a versatile, part-time contributor who still leaves plenty of development opportunities for younger players like Jonah Elliss and Que Robinson. The Broncos are a proven Super Bowl contender in Miller’s eyes, and he has already enjoyed success in Denver before, making a return feel plausible and potentially popular with the fan base.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks, after losing Boye Mafe in free agency, could use another edge rusher to bolster their depth. Miller’s best path there might not be as a full-time starter in his 15th season, but he has shown an ability to be productive in a reduced role. Last season, he recorded nine sacks across 17 appearances, starting just three games. That level of production could be exactly what Seattle needs as they pursue another championship run, and Miller’s veteran presence could stabilize the defense while younger players continue to develop.
The 49ers have long been linked to adding another high-profile rusher. If the alliance between the Bosas and San Francisco never comes to fruition this offseason, Miller could provide a veteran blueprint for the coaching staff and a transitional bridge for young pass-rushers such as 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams and third-round rookie Romello Height. His 138.5 career sacks and his knowledge of multiple pass-rush techniques could accelerate the growth of the 49ers’ up-and-coming talent and keep the defense formidable for years to come.
Finally, the Los Angeles Rams might be Miller’s best shot at a third Super Bowl ring. A front with Myles Garrett, Byron Young, and Miller would present an overwhelming challenge for offenses to prepare for, especially on obvious pass-rush downs. The Rams’ scheme would benefit from Miller’s seasoned pressure package, and his presence could help the team maximize its edge rush opportunities while allowing younger defenders to develop in a supportive, championship-driven environment.
As Miller weighs these paths, the question is not just about maximizing pay or staying close to home but about finding a situation where he can contribute meaningfully, prolong his peak effectiveness, and, ideally, chase another ring. Each of these teams offers distinct advantages: the Broncos provide a familiar, trusted system; the Seahawks offer a practical, depth-building role on a still-strong contender; the 49ers present a strategic fit for mentoring elite young talent; and the Rams present a high-ceiling, win-now scenario that could finally deliver the championship Miller seeks. The choice will depend on Miller’s personal priorities, the medical and physical realities of the offseason, and how each team plans to deploy him in 2026.