The Buffalo Bills once saw linebacker Matt Milano as the future of the team's defense after an All-Pro season in 2022. But as the injuries have piled up, so too have the future concerns for the organization.
Milano has played in just nine total games over the last two seasons due to multiple injuries suffered. He took a paycut this offseason in order to save himself from a difficult release.
Why would a 30-year-old linebacker look to take a paycut with a roster that clearly is looking to replace him?
The answer, though shows how strong the organization's culture has been over the last few years under head coach Sean McDermott. Buffalo's entire staff is going to give Milano the chance to continue to play at a high level.
"There's a real mental component to that also, of him being able to get himself back mentally, that, hey, I can still do this, and I can still do it, not just do it, but do it at a high level like Matt Milano used to do it," said McDermott. "I applaud him for his mental ability and his ability to push through overall, until he found a rhythm that I think he said, hey, you know what, I can do this, and you saw that at moments. Not as consistent as he once was, but going into the offseason now not needing another surgery, or not having to rehab, will be important for him."
A healthy Milano means Buffalo's defense reaches new heights as he tags along with Terrel Bernard.
A Bernard-Milano duo may be the best linebacker duo in the league.
So long as he stays healthy of course.
And the Bills will give him the chance to do so at this rate.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 8:30 PM.