Von Miller has made it clear that he'd welcome a return to Denver. In a recent appearance tied to his Von's Vision Charity event in Colorado, the long-time Bronco star said he would "love to come back home". But one former player thinks that may not be in the cards.

According to ESPN, Miller also mentioned the possibility of reconnecting with Sean Payton in hopes of recreating some of the energy from the team's Super Bowl 50 run. But on a podcast episode, a former O-lineman revealed that it might be too late.

Speaking on The Stinkin' Truth podcast, Mark Schlereth talked about why he feels Denver has already moved in a different direction. While praising Miller's legacy, Schlereth pointed to the current leadership group that has emerged within the locker room.

"I think that ship has sailed," said Schlereth on The Stinkin' Truth on May 29. "I think they've created with Zack Allen, they've created with Jonathan Cooper, with Nick Bonitto, they've created their own leadership guys."

Schlereth also recalled that during Miller's prime years in Denver, leadership responsibilities were shared with veterans such as Peyton Manning and DeMarcus Ware

"Even when he was here playing for the Broncos, he wasn't the leader of the football team," said Schlereth. "It was Peyton Manning. It was DeMarcus Ware. He even mentioned DeMarcus Ware as being that guy that he'd like to be able to mentor. Like DeMarcus Ware mentored him, but DeMarcus Ware was still starting."

He also raised questions about how adding a high-profile figure could impact an already established locker room.

"One of the things you sometimes have to worry a little bit about is bringing a celebrity into your locker room," said Schlereth. "Von Miller is NFL royalty. And how does that affect your culture? How does that affect your young guys?"

The only question that most fans will be asking is, does a team that topped the NFL in sacks last year still need Von Miller?

Broncos' Edge Depth Could Stand in the Way of Von Miller

On a Thursday edition of “Stokley and Evans, with Mark Schlereth” on 104.3 The Fan, former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley questioned whether a reunion makes sense for the team's current roster.

Still, Stokley pointed out that Miller is not looking for a starting job and appears willing to embrace a smaller role if it means coming back to Denver.

"I wouldn't be against it. You hear him talk, and he's open and receptive to a reserve role," said Stokley on May 28 on 104.3 The Fan

He also explained that the Broncos are already comfortable with the players they have at the position and may not feel the need to add another veteran pass rusher.

"I think they've moved on, and they don't view it as a great fit," said Stokley on May 28.

For now, Miller's interest in a return remains obvious. But with Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Jonah Elliss already playing important roles in Denver's plans, the Broncos may have difficulty deciding if a reunion ever becomes a real possibility.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote