Von Miller trade: Grades, reactions following LA Rams’ blockbuster acquisition

Much like most of Rams nation right now, I’m speechless after seeing Los Angeles trade for star Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller. The Rams will send over a second and third-round draft pick in the 2022 draft in exchange for the eight-time Pro Bowler, while Denver will pay the vast majority of his remaining 2021 salary.

What are people around the internet saying in the wake of the major NFL news on Monday morning? We’ve got reactions from Von Miller, Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, Broncos fans, Rams fans, and much more below.

Reaction From Von Miller

Von Miller spoke to reporters following the trade and that he hopes to play vs the Titans on Sunday night. He said that he “teared up” when walking out of the facilities on Monday.

Twitter Reactions

Melvin Gordon

Rams teammates Reactions

What Aaron Donald had to say:

Jalen Ramsey

Leonard Floyd

My reaction

Personally, I love the aggressiveness of LA’s front office for making such a bold trade. Von Miller is arguably the greatest defensive player in the history of the Broncos. He belongs next to John Elway on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore of greatest players. I believe his stellar resume in the Mile High city speaks for itself:

Also, who could forget him spearheading a historically dominant Broncos defensive in Super Bowl 50? He was a big part of why Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning was able to ride into the sunset with another Lombardi.

Initial Fan Reactions

What exactly are the Rams getting in Miller? As I’ve noted before, Los Angeles will be getting a superb pass rusher to add along with Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd. His presence will cause opposing offenses to focus on ways to limit him, which should open up more opportunities for other members on the defense. I mean for goodness sakes, there will now be two All-Decade members on the defense. Offensive coordinators that have yet to play LA this season are definitely in need of a diaper change.

The vast majority of fans are understandably pumped about the new addition:

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=c3ef5d3f-7495-4bca-9597-57f46deca19c

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=42c72ad4-21dd-426a-900c-0202b29888d7

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=92be66b7-d773-409c-9289-799eacedde78

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=17d9315a-f2ed-4ebb-8985-9da7ad52e15e

Of course with a huge trade like this, there’s always going to be initial skepticism:

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=6c0bebb7-3bb3-4456-9a2e-7cc0b059418a

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2021/11/1/22757528/rams-trade-von-miller-broncos-aaron-donald-compensation?commentID=df104c62-afd3-4fbc-9b65-f53b74e4b4e6

Overall, Broncos fans were sad to see a team icon leave but were generally happy for his new opportunity in LA:

https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/11/1/22757520/broncos-trading-von-miller-to-rams?commentID=442608d9-2b60-4985-b43b-7cd2646fb5f4

https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/11/1/22757520/broncos-trading-von-miller-to-rams?commentID=c4f53584-ba67-444c-a716-090e1b1f6bf3

https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/11/1/22757520/broncos-trading-von-miller-to-rams?commentID=3596f9a9-2553-443f-ab8b-0a3e56f63247

While most of the reaction was positive for Denver fans, one fan was clearly frustrated that this wasn’t the correct move for the team to take:

https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/11/1/22757520/broncos-trading-von-miller-to-rams?commentID=c1ad3fb8-a0d4-4a2e-89b0-b3ae9c605fc1

What’s the trade grade for the Rams?

My Grade: B-

Obviously to be a contender, a team has to be willing to whatever is possible to win, no matter the cost. This is what General Manager Les Snead has done throughout his tenure and I respect him for being fearless in going bold. My worry is the cost for the team by kicking the future further down the road to win now. Look at all the draft capital the team has lost in the 2022 draft:

At the moment, Los Angeles has only three draft picks they can truly call their own. I understand that Snead has created an immediate contending window, but a team still needs draft picks to fortify their roster. Even when those picks are sometimes projects for a team to develop, drafting builds additional depth that every team can afford to use.

There are also concerns about Miller’s down production after the Broncos cupcake of a three-game opening slate. Per Pro Football Reference, Von had four of his 4.5 sacks on the year in the first three weeks against the Giants, Jaguars and Jets. He also recorded six QB hits in that timespan compared to three in the following four games.

Perhaps Miller’s numbers are down a bit in ‘21 following his season-ending ankle surgery in 2020. With this in mind, I will look back at Von’s last healthy season in 2019. During that campaign, he started 15 games recording 46 combined tackles including eight sacks. That year he had 20 QB hits which were near his average of 22.5 for his career (225 in total).

I will say that aside from Miller missing all of 2020 and playing in only nine games during the Broncos first Super Bowl run with Manning, he’s been fairly healthy. He’s played at least 15 games in eight of his 11 seasons. Von might be getting up there in age, but he’s still an effective pass rusher when given the opportunities.

My grade might be on the low side for now, but I’m going to be patient in seeing whether he can play up to the standards that he’s been for his entire career. If he plays even a fraction of how incredible he was in his prime, Kyler Murray and the rest of the division will be shaking in his wake:

Trade Grades

Broncos fans at the @DailyBroncos twitter page have given the grade an A or B from Denver’s perspective:

Fans at Mile High Report are split on if the Love It! or Hate It!