At one point in his NFL career, Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano was considered one of the best linebackers in the sport.
A first-team All-Pro nominee in 2022, Milano has been dealt a bad hand on the injury front in recent seasons. He has played in just nine games over the last two years combined.
Yet while his availability has been a concern, one analyst believes that Milano may be gearing for a strong season. After taking a pay cut, there's a chance Milano may get back to his All-Pro ways.
That is at least what Pro Football Focus' Zoltán Buday is predicting for this season.
"After logging over 1,000 snaps in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Milano managed just 544 combined snaps over the past two years," Buday said. "His 2023 campaign was cut short after five games, and an offseason injury delayed his return in 2024 until Week 13.
"He appeared in seven games last season and reminded fans of his potential with a standout performance in the wild-card round against the Broncos, earning an 86.3 PFF grade."
Those aforementioned fans - Bills Mafia - are praying for good news here. The team needs it. The player, they can argue, deserves is.
Buffalo's defense has found ways to remain among the elite units in the sport even without Milano on the field. That is a testament to their coaching staff, with Sean McDermott leading the way.
If they can get team captain Milano at 100% for a full season, though, it may get Buffalo's unit to the point where they will finally have an answer for the Kansas City Chiefs.