NFL Futures: Von Miller and Mike Hall Jr. Suspended

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NFL Futures and News: Von Miller and Mike Hall Jr. Suspended: Impact on Bills and Browns

The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller and Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. 

Miller will miss four games, while Hall Jr. will be suspended for five games. These suspensions impact both teams as they navigate the 2024 season, and they may also influence NFL Futures as teams adjust to these developments.

Von Miller’s Rocky Tenure with the Bills

With high expectations, Von Miller, one of the NFL’s most recognizable names, joined the Bills in 2022. The team signed him to a substantial contract that guaranteed $51 million, hoping to strengthen their Super Bowl chances. 

However, Miller’s time with Buffalo has been marred by injuries and off-field issues. In late 2023, Miller was arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident, though no charges were filed. His four-game suspension now further complicates his tenure with the Bills.

Miller’s on-field performance in 2024 has been far from his prime. At 35, he is no longer a dominant force and has been primarily used as a rotational pass rusher, averaging just 23.3 snaps per game. 

Despite recording three sacks early in the season, his impact has been limited, as some of those sacks came against backup players. The Bills, while disappointed by the suspension, are unlikely to feel a significant effect on their defensive lineup. Rookie Javon Solomon is expected to fill the void until Miller’s return in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.

Mike Hall Jr.’s Delayed NFL Debut

Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is also serving a suspension stemming from a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. After being drafted 54th overall in 2024, Hall was arrested in August and pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct.

Shortly after, they placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list, which has already covered four games of his five-game suspension.

Hall, just 21 years old, was not expected to be an immediate starter for the Browns but was drafted for his potential as an interior pass rusher. His legal issues and time away from the team have delayed his development, and he will need to catch up once eligible to return in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

While the Browns saw red flags during the pre-draft process, they have kept Hall in their plans, though he will need to prove himself on the field.

Impact on Both Teams

Losing Von Miller for four games does not significantly change the Bills’ defensive outlook. As Miller enters the later stages of his career as a rotational player, his absence may impact late-game pass-rushing situations, but the team has young talent like Solomon ready to step up.

Hall’s suspension delays his development in Cleveland, but his absence won’t drastically alter the Browns’ defensive plans. The team will integrate him into the rotation once he returns, though he must work hard to establish himself after missing valuable practice time.