Dallas – The Dallas Cowboys announced the signing of 37‑year‑old linebacker Von Miller, a two‑time Super Bowl champion and former Defensive Player of the Year, to bolster an inexperienced group of edge rushers. Miller, a native of the Dallas suburbs, agreed to terms with the team on Monday, a move welcomed by both coaches and young players.
Veteran leadership on the field
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Miller will be used primarily as a pass‑rusher, similar to his role with the Washington Commanders last season, where he recorded nine sacks in 420 snaps. “He still has first‑step quickness, understands angles, and has a great assortment of counter moves,” Schottenheimer explained. “We don’t expect him to play 60 snaps a game, but his impact will be significant.”
Outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku, a second‑round pick from Boston College, praised Miller’s experience. “He’s an All‑Pro, Pro Bowl guy, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl champion. He brings a lot of knowledge and experience,” Ezeiruaku said. The two first met last year when the Cowboys drafted Ezeiruaku, and they quickly built a rapport.
Mentorship for the next generation
Miller’s own development was shaped early on by Hall of Fame pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. He told Ezeiruaku he intends to provide similar mentorship, saying, “He wants to be the D‑Ware for me, if that makes sense.” The sentiment was echoed by veteran defensive end Rashan Gary, who has 46½ career sacks. “Adding him is only going to make anything better,” Gary said. “Having a guy that won Super Bowls and Defensive Player of the Year is great for me and the whole room.”
The Cowboys also drafted Malachi Lawrence out of UCF with the 23rd overall pick, adding another young edge talent to the roster. Alongside Lawrence, the team has other developing players learning how to generate pressure, making Miller’s presence a potential catalyst for growth.
Local roots and fan excitement
Miller grew up in the Dallas suburbs and has been training at the Cowboys’ complex throughout the offseason, often sharing photos and videos on social media. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has long expressed interest in adding impact players to strengthen the defense, and Miller’s signing fulfills that goal.
Ezeiruaku was not surprised by the development. “Did I think it was gonna happen? Yeah, I thought it was gonna happen. I’ve been talking to him, and it was in the air,” he said.
Looking ahead
With Miller’s addition, Dallas hopes to improve a defense that struggled in recent seasons. While the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Christian Parker has already made strides, the veteran’s experience and mentorship are expected to accelerate the development of the young edge rushers.
The move underscores the Cowboys’ commitment to blending seasoned talent with home‑grown prospects, a strategy that aligns with the franchise’s long‑term vision of competing for championships.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
