Timbers confirm signing of free agent Eric Miller

As the 2023 MLS season kicks off across the league (but not quite in Portland yet), the Portland Timbers have made their second signing of the offseason. The Timbers announced that they have signed MLS defender free agent Eric Miller to a one-year deal for 2023, with the club holding an option for an additional year.

The news that Portland had signed Miller was originally reported earlier in the week by MLS insider Tom Bogert.

Miller comes to the Timbers with a wealth of MLS experience, making 165 appearances (136 starts) in his nine-year career, including playoffs. He can play as both a centerback and right back, adding important depth to a Timbers team that last week traded Bill Tuiloma for a significant amount of allocation money.

The veteran defender is also not a stranger to Portland, as Miller spent time with the Portland Timbers U-23 team in 2012, while he was in the offseason during his time in college at Creighton University.

Miller’s signing is very much a move to bolster Portland’s depth, and a shrewd one as they add an experienced player who can provide cover at multiple positions. It’s also a relatively low risk move, as they’re only on the hook for Miller for 2023 at a minimum.

The Timbers have shared that they are still pursuing a central defender who can slot in as a starter, to provide further depth and competition to Portland’s centerback corps.

Miller will presumably be available for Portland’s home opener against Sporting Kansas City, which has been postponed to Monday February 27, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

You can read Portland’s press release on Miller’s signing here.