The Buffalo Bills star linebacker Matt Milano will take a paycut to no surprise after taking up most of the team’s cap space. According to reports, the team is fixing up Milano’s contract after missing some time the past two seasons as he enters what could be his last season with the Bills. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Boston College product is heading for free agency but the team might want to consider trading him if they don’t see any future in him anymore. Since Milano hasn’t been able to stay healthy, it doesn’t make sense for the Bills to keep him around and they should consider the choice of sending him to a team for a fresh start.
This 2025 season will determine his future with the Buffalo Bills and if he doesn’t perform up to standards, the team will likely let him test free agency. However, it shouldn’t be surprising if they put him on the trade block before the beginning of the season to see if they could get something in return for his services. When healthy, the veteran linebacker has proven he could be a vital edge rusher while recording at least 78 total tackles in a season four times and 10 interceptions in his entire career. The linebacker is in his last year so another team could take a chance on him for one season to determine if he’s worth the long-term risk and these five suitors could do that.
BREAKING: Bills All-Pro Star Matt Milano Takes Paycut, May Signal Trade? – 5 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
After releasing Joey Bosa, the Los Angeles Chargers need a capable veteran linebacker to pair with Khalil Mack. While they will probably draft a linebacker in this year’s draft, there’s no guarantee whoever they pick will be ready for full-time duties. Matt Milano could revive this pass-rushing unit which was at their peak last season. As long as he stays healthy, he could fulfill the wishes of Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of winning football games with a physical defense.
Washington Commanders
This trade would be a dream come true for the head coach Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders. Last offseason, they brought in Bobby Wagner on a one-year and made promising strides where he’s returning again. Even though Dante Fowler Jr. is leaving, they have a bolstering weapon in Frankie Luvu. Milano and Luvu could pair up in the middle to stop the passes in the aerial and it could work out since both linebackers are ball-hawkers.
Baltimore Ravens
The same ball-hawking mindset could apply to the Baltimore Ravens too. Kyle Van Noy is entering the final year of his contract and Milano could be a worthwhile replacement. Milano won’t be on the same level as him but it keeps the Ravens competitive if only he becomes a free agent next offseason since the Bills probably won’t trade to their AFC rival.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints probably have one most promising linebacker units in the league. Pete Werner and Willie Gay along with Demario Davis are three formidable starters. However, Davis aging so they might need someone like Milano for a rotational basis in the defense.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Cowboys don’t need a linebacker but they could have someone in the middle if Eric Kendricks doesn’t return. Dallas has yet to extend Micah Parsons but if they do that, they’re in good hands with Dante Fowler Jr. and Jack Sanborn. Milano won’t start but he could be an effective option when the defense plays zone under Matt Eberflus.
