Fansided

5 NFL free agency destinations for Von Miller

By John Buhler

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

44. . NFC. South. Atlanta Falcons. 4. player

With a brand new arena in Mercedes-Benz Stadium opening up in 2017, there is no doubt that Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is willing to spend top dollar to bring a championship to the Empire State of the South.

Now that wide receiver Julio Jones is under a long-term deal, Matt Ryan’s long-term contract is in its back-end, really the only player on the Falcons that Blank will probably have to shell out serious cash for is soon-to-be top five cornerback Desmond Trufant when he hits free agency in a few years.

With Atlanta gradually becoming more flexible to pursue more top-flight free agents, might Blank and company be willing to outspend for the game’s best pass rusher in Miller? Well, Atlanta could certainly use an upgrade in getting after the quarterback.

The Falcons are in a league of their own with their still toothless pass rush going on four years since parting ways with franchise sack leader John Abraham after the 2012 NFL season. Miller would also have the opportunity to play for former Broncos linebackers coach Richard Smith again, who is now the Falcons reliable defensive coordinator.

Atlanta hasn’t reached the NFC Playoffs since blowing a 17-0 lead at halftime to the San Francisco 49ers at home in the 2012 NFC Championship. Blank may be able to mask it, but he has to be getting impatient with his NFC franchise’s inability to get to a Super Bowl.

Miller would be the most popular defensive player and most impactful since Deion Sanders electrified in the Atlanta secondary in the late 1980s and early 1990s. If Miller hits 2017 NFL free agency after playing out his franchise tag with the 2016 Broncos, expect the Falcons to throw everything they’ve got in trying to pry Miller away from the Mile High City.

Next: 3. Chicago Bears

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