Sometimes, breakups are good. And when it comes to the Chicago Bears’ trade of Anthony Miller to the Houston Texans, I feel as if this is one of those splits that can be mutually beneficial for all parties. The Bears get an upgrade in draft capital. Meanwhile, the Texans get a receiver with a unique prospect pedigree and tremendous upside. And finally, Miller is given an opportunity to get it together in a new place.
And for fans, we can get the peace of mind now that Miller is showing some remorse for his actions:
Texans' Anthony Miller on ejection from playoff game for punching Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson 'Of course, I regret that. I let that guy get under my skin to the point that I put hands on him. I'm approaching everything very professional. This is important year, a contract year'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 6, 2021
Reading the tweet above cuts so many different ways. For starters, offering up a mea culpa is a sign of maturity for a player who we last saw getting ejected from a playoff game because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself — even after being warned by coaches before the game. Secondly, it’s good to read that Miller appears ready to take things more seriously this year. A player’s evolution can be a wonderful thing to watch.
Then again, there’s this too little, too late feeling that I can’t escape. Why couldn’t Miller have this mindset in a non-contract year? Where was this newfound discipline in a game weeks after seeing a teammate get tossed for doing exactly what he did? That it takes a trade and a contract year to get Miller to straighten up and fly right bothers me more than it should. But here we are.
In the end, the clean slate is good for all parties. Especially after Miller acknowledged “tension” between himself, the coaching staff, and front office. Here’s hoping that, in the future, everyone involved can be happy with how things happened after things ended. Even if how things ended stunk for all involved.