At one point, it appeared that Matt Milano was going to be on a trajectory that would make him one of the best linebackers in Buffalo Bills history.
Injuries, as they so often do for some of the better players in the league, though, got in the way.
Milano has played in just nine games over the last two seasons due to a myriad of injuries. Since being a first-team All-Pro three years ago, the Bills’ standout has seen his position as the top linebacker taken over by Terrel Benard.
But just because they have a younger and healthier player, doesn’t mean that the Bills are ready to give up on the linebacker.
“Love Matt,” said Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane while addressing reporters at the NFL owners early-spring meetings. “I feel terrible for him, starting with that London game [in 2023] and then the freak deal in training camp this year, but Matt is everything you want in a Buffalo Bill.
“These are never easy conversations … but you do understand that he has had the injuries, and so we tried to structure something that would help us a little bit now, give him an opportunity to earn some of it [sacrificed money] back with staying healthy and showing everyone he’s back.”
These are 2 frank truths on Milano.
He’s everything you want in a Buffalo Bill.
And …
He’s got some things to prove in order to stick around.
Getting Milano fully healthy is the top priority for Buffalo’s defense this offseason. If they succeed with that goal, it should get the 30-year-old back on track.
And keep Buffalo’s defense among the elites in the league for another year.