How Von Miller can help the Cowboys’ pass rush? Eight-time Pro Bowler brings veteran experience as Dallas revamps its defensive front
Von Miller gives the Dallas Cowboys a proven pass rusher at a time when their defense needs more pressure. Dallas officially added the eight-time Pro Bowler after Miller led the Washington Commanders with nine sacks in 2025. At 37, he no longer carries the workload of his prime, but his recent production shows he can still make quarterbacks uncomfortable.That makes Miller an interesting piece for Dallas rather than a player who needs to carry the defense.
The Cowboys can use his experience in passing situations while allowing younger edge rushers to handle larger roles. If Miller stays productive in a focused role, his addition could give Dallas a useful boost throughout the 2026 season.Von Miller gives the Dallas Cowboys another proven pass-rush optionThe clearest reason for optimism comes from what Miller did last season.
He played all 17 games for Washington in 2025 and started only three, yet he still finished with nine sacks. That total led the Commanders and marked his highest single-season sack total since 2018. He also reached that number while playing a limited role, which makes his fit with the Cowboys particularly interesting.Dallas needs that kind of production.
The Cowboys finished tied for 22nd in the NFL with 35 sacks in 2025 after trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last August. The defense also needs to replace the production it lost from Jadeveon Clowney, who led Dallas with 8.5 sacks before leaving for Houston. Miller already has a recent season in which he produced more sacks than Clowney did for the Cowboys.The Cowboys also have other pieces around Miller.
Rashan Gary gives Dallas an established veteran presence, while Donovan Ezeiruaku enters his second season and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence gives the group another young option. That setup should allow Dallas to avoid putting too much responsibility on Miller.Instead, the Cowboys can pick the spots where his experience matters most.
Third downs, two-minute situations and late-game passing downs could give Miller opportunities to attack quarterbacks without forcing him into an oversized workload.His career numbers also explain why his presence matters. Miller enters his 15th NFL season with 138.5 sacks, the most among active players and tied for ninth in NFL history.
He has played 203 regular-season games, won two Super Bowls and earned Super Bowl 50 MVP honors with Denver.Von Miller can help Dallas develop its young pass rushMiller's value should extend beyond the sack column because the Cowboys have several younger players who still need to establish themselves.
His experience can give Dallas another reliable veteran voice while those players take on larger responsibilities.The move also brings a personal connection. Miller grew up in Texas and played college football at Texas A&M before the Denver Broncos selected him No. 2 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. On Aug. 16, he confirmed his move to Dallas on Instagram with the message, “Hereee Weee Gooo @dallascowboys LFG!!!”Miller has not made a Pro Bowl since 2019, so Dallas cannot expect the dominant version of the player who once terrorized offensive tackles every week.
However, his nine sacks last season provide a much better indicator of what he can offer now.For the Cowboys, that is enough to make this move meaningful. Miller does not have to become the old Von Miller. He simply needs to provide timely pressure, veteran know-how and another problem for opposing quarterbacks.
If he does that, Dallas could get exactly what its rebuilt pass rush needs.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.