At the height of his career, Matt Milano was seen as one of the best linebackers in football for the Buffalo Bills. He was a first-team All-Pro selection and well on his way to being one of the best players in the league.
Injuries have since derailed his career, though.
The former Boston College product has struggled to stay on the field in recent years and now has recently taken a pay cut to stay with the Bills moving forward - not exactly the best situation one wants to be in.
Buffalo removed a year off of Milano's contract with the new agreement including a $3.6 million pay reduction, which can be earned back through incentives. Milano will be a free agent during the 2026 offseason.
Milano has only appeared in nine regular season games over the last two seasons, after suffering an MCL tear in 2023 and bicep tear in 2024. Before his injuries, he was a first team All-Pro in 2022, logging 99 tackles, three interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and 11 passes defended in 2022.
Related: Bills Cut Matt Milano Contract and Roster Future
Going into his ninth year with the Bills, he will turn 31 before the start of the 2025 season.
And Bills Mafia is naturally worrying about his future here.
Age and injuries are clearly hurting the All-Pro to the point where Buffalo has already found a replacement in Terrel Bernard. With Bernard signed to a long-term deal, it's clear that the Bills are prepared to move on from their captain.
And maybe the key thing for the captain can do to stay on the team is take a pay cut like he did.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM.