Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller and Denver Broncos inside linebacker Kenny Young had opposite seasons in 2021.
OK, not completely opposite — they were both traded shortly before the NFL’s deadline — but the similarities stop there.
The Rams traded Young to the Broncos in late October for a mere sixth-round pick in 2024. Denver got a steal because L.A. needed salary cap space and Young was viewed as an expendable player on a contract year.
The move worked out well for the Broncos’ defense — which finished third-best in points allowed last year — but it certainly wasn’t ideal for Young. The Rams were 6-1 when they traded him. Denver was 3-4.
The Broncos finished the season in last place in the AFC West with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for a sixth-straight year. Not a fun way for Young to close out the season after such a strong start in Los Angeles.
Miller, on the other hand, was traded from a 4-4 Denver team in early November to a 7-1 Rams team. L.A. finished in first place in the NFC West last season with a 12-5 record and went on to reach Super Bowl LVI.
Miller recorded two sacks in the Ram’s 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday, marking Miller’s second Super Bowl win. Miller started the year on a struggling team and ended the season as a Super Bowl champion.
Their seasons couldn’t have been more opposite, but they do have something in common going into the NFL offseason — Miller (32) and Young (26) are scheduled to become free agents in March.
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