Von Miller
Getty
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Von Miller (L) and Quarterback Tom Brady of the Founders FFC pose for a photograph during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on March 18, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for for OBB Media - FANATICS STUDIOS)
It was all in good spirits when longtime Denver Bronco Von Miller played an April Fool’s prank on Instagram, posting that he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Even Tom Brady and Maxx Crosby were in on the joke, with Brady commenting,”🔥🔥🔥” and Crosby commenting, “👀👀👀👀🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
But despite the prank, a lot of Raiders fans are curious if Miller is a genuine option the Raiders could sign to not just add depth, but be a leader on a relatively young defense.
Is Von Miller A Genuine Option for the Raiders?
Miller, who just turned 37, is still producing at a high level, racking up nine sacks last season with the Washington Commanders. However, when it comes to joining a team like the Raiders, who he played twice against from 2011 to 2021, the answer, according to him, is no.
“…If I’m going to the AFC West, it’s got to be the Denver Broncos,” Miller said. “Like what? Me playing the Denver Broncos twice a year? I don’t think it’s nothing that I can do to really take away from my legacy that I’ve already done with the Denver Broncos, but that: Going to the Raiders… That’s really the only thing that could make the Denver Broncos fanbase, Broncos Country, not love me no more.”
Fair play, and the good news for the Raiders is not only did they re-sign Malcolm Koonce and sign Kwity Paye during free agency, but Crosby is back! They’ll be fine if Miller doesn’t want to come to Las Vegas.
Raiders Should Invest in Another Veteran Defensive Player
DJ Reader
GettyDJ Reader #98 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Chicago Bears.
Where the Raiders could really use some help is at defensive tackle. It’s one of the most important positions in a 3-4 base defense, and first-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard will need more than just Adam Butler and Jonah Laulu.
They’ll add another defensive tackle (most likely) during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Raiders also have the cap space to bring in an experienced 10-year vet like DJ Reader, who NFL.com’s Nick Shook pinned the Raiders as the top destination.
“Reader could probably find a less lucrative, rotational role with teams like Detroit, Baltimore, Buffalo or Cincinnati, but if he wants to cash in (relatively speaking) with a team that has become intriguing after a busy offseason, why not head for Las Vegas? Its current projected starter alongside Adam Butler" data-link="/players/adam-butler/" data-slug="adam-butler">Adam Butler, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu" data-link="/players/jonah-laulu/" data-slug="jonah-laulu">Jonah Laulu, has just two seasons of experience and ranked 126th out of 134 interior defensive linemen in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. Toss Reader into that room as a veteran who could serve as somewhat of a stopgap and show the younger guy(s) how to become a productive pro.”
Reader hasn’t missed many games in his long career and could come in and be a key factor on the defensive line.