The Dallas Cowboys have never shied away from making bold moves. From blockbuster trades to high-profile free-agent signings, the franchise built by legends like Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson has long operated on a stage as grand as Texas itself. But as the team continues its eternal quest for a return to Super Bowl glory, not every big name deserves a star on their helmet. That’s why calls are growing louder for the Cowboys to steer clear of one former eight-time Pro Bowler—a once-dominant force whose \$120 million NFL legacy is now overshadowed by age, injury history, and diminishing returns.
The player in question is Von Miller, a Texas native and Super Bowl MVP who, at his peak, terrorized quarterbacks and anchored elite defenses. Once the face of the Denver Broncos, Miller spent the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills after signing a massive six-year, \$120 million contract in 2022. At the time, it seemed like a calculated risk for a team on the cusp of championship contention. But now, in 2025, that risk looks more like a cautionary tale. Miller, now 36, has been plagued by injuries and declining production. With whispers circulating about the Cowboys potentially kicking the tires on the veteran pass rusher, insiders, analysts, and even some fans are sounding the alarm: don’t do it.
It’s not just about age—though in the NFL, 36 is practically ancient for an edge rusher. It’s about context. The Cowboys already have one of the most dynamic defensive front sevens in the league. Micah Parsons is arguably the best defensive player in football, and DeMarcus Lawrence continues to be a reliable veteran presence. The rotation also includes promising contributors like Sam Williams, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler Jr., giving Dallas depth, speed, and versatility. Adding Miller would not only be redundant but could also disrupt the chemistry and snap counts of a well-oiled unit.
Then there’s the matter of cost. Even if Miller were available at a discount, his presence would still come with expectations and media noise. Jerry Jones loves a headline, but the Cowboys can’t afford to mortgage long-term development for a nostalgic flash of stardom. This team is built to contend not just this year but for the next three to five seasons. Allocating resources—even veteran minimum dollars—on a declining player who may not even make it through the season healthy feels counterproductive, especially when Dallas still has holes at other critical spots like cornerback depth and interior offensive line.
One of the most concerning trends in Miller’s recent career is his increasing time spent off the field. After tearing his ACL in late 2022, Miller was limited throughout 2023 and 2024, posting just 2.5 sacks combined in those two seasons. For context, that’s fewer than third-string Cowboy pass rusher Sam Williams recorded in a rotational role last year alone. And while Miller’s leadership and football IQ are undeniable, the Cowboys already have veteran voices in the locker room. They don’t need a mentor—they need impact.
From a schematic standpoint, Miller no longer fits the aggressive, fast-paced defensive identity Dan Quinn left behind and Mike Zimmer looks to evolve. Zimmer, now at the helm of the Dallas defense, values discipline and accountability above all. If Miller were brought in and failed to perform, it could create unnecessary distractions and headlines that derail focus. Moreover, Miller’s recent legal troubles—a pending investigation into alleged domestic violence—add an additional layer of concern. The Cowboys have worked hard to rebuild their image and foster a culture centered on accountability and professionalism. Bringing in a player with unresolved off-field issues would undermine that effort.
There’s also the matter of opportunity cost. Every snap given to Miller is a snap taken away from a younger, ascending talent. With Parsons often moving around the formation, young players like Williams and Fowler are poised to take the next step. The Cowboys have invested heavily in their defensive line room through the draft and free agency. Stalling their growth to give Miller one last ride isn’t just risky—it’s unnecessary.
From a public relations perspective, the optics of bringing in Miller could also be problematic. Fans are well aware of his declining performance and recent off-field headlines. While nostalgia might initially drive excitement—especially for a Texas native and former Super Bowl hero—it wouldn’t take long for frustration to set in if Miller underwhelms on the field. Dallas doesn’t need a sideshow. It needs consistency, health, and players who can help the team win in December and January.
Even NFL insiders are urging caution. Multiple analysts, including former executives, have advised that any team considering Miller at this stage is doing so for the name, not the game. One executive anonymously told an NFC East beat writer, “Von’s a Hall of Famer, no doubt. But right now, you’re signing a ghost of who he was.” Harsh words, but ones rooted in truth.
To be fair, Miller’s career deserves nothing but respect. Few defenders in NFL history have blended speed, power, and technique as masterfully as he has. His 123.5 career sacks, multiple All-Pro honors, and unforgettable Super Bowl 50 performance solidify his place among the greats. But as the old saying goes, Father Time is undefeated. Greatness in the past doesn’t guarantee greatness in the future.
The Cowboys are in a window. They’ve been here before—close enough to feel the confetti but just far enough to miss the party. If this team is serious about breaking through the NFC gauntlet and ending a nearly three-decade Super Bowl drought, every move must be about the future, not the past. Signing Von Miller, at this point, feels more like a nostalgia play than a football decision.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about vision. It’s about understanding that names don’t win championships—units do. Cohesion does. Health does. And Dallas, perhaps more than any other franchise, understands how easy it is to chase a dream by clinging to fading stars. The lessons of Terrell Owens, Greg Hardy, and even an aging Dez Bryant remain fresh in the memories of fans and front office staff alike. Each time the Cowboys leaned into a big name over a bigger plan, they paid for it.
The NFL moves fast. What was true last season rarely holds by the next. But some things remain constant: the need for fresh legs, locker room stability, and execution over emotion. For the Cowboys, the goal isn’t to win the press conference—it’s to win playoff games. And adding a player like Von Miller doesn’t bring them closer to that goal. It may, in fact, set them back.
So as rumors continue to swirl and headlines tease the possibility, the smartest move the Cowboys could make is the one they don’t. Let Von Miller ride off into the sunset with his legacy intact and let Dallas push forward with a roster that’s younger, faster, and hungrier. Sometimes the best addition is knowing who not to add. And for Dallas, the message is clear—leave the past in the past and keep your eyes on the prize.
