Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano showcased his All-Pro caliber in 2022 and seemed poised for a repeat performance in 2023 until an injury sidelined him.
Milano suffered a fractured leg in Week 5, ending his season prematurely and undergoing an extensive rehabilitation process for what the team described as a complex injury. While Milano is expected to return for the start of the 2024 season, there’s speculation among analysts that the Bills should consider acquiring another veteran linebacker as an insurance policy for Milano.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder proposed potential offseason moves for all 32 teams, suggesting that the Bills should bolster their linebacker corps to mitigate any potential decline in Milano’s performance.
“At his peak, Matt Milano is an All-Pro caliber player. However, he turns 30 at the end of July and is coming off a season-ending injury,” Holder wrote. “Additionally, Buffalo allowed Tyrel Dodson, who filled in admirably for Milano last fall, to depart in free agency.”
Holder emphasized the significance of adding another linebacker for a team that underwent notable defensive changes, recommending Shaquille Leonard as a potential “insurance policy” for Milano.
Leonard, a three-time All-Pro and former Defensive Rookie of the Year, experienced a career-low season in which he tallied just 88 total tackles and one sack in 12 games. After being released by the Indianapolis Colts midseason and subsequently joining the Philadelphia Eagles, Leonard’s performance saw minimal improvement. Considering his history of serious injuries, Leonard hinted at the possibility of retirement at the season’s end.
“If his NFL career were coming to an end, Leonard seemed content with his career,” Holder noted. “To play this game, we’re one in a million to come out and play the game that we love,” Leonard said. “For me, it’s always having positive energy. Always just being thankful to be where your feet are and just spread joy.”
Should Leonard decide to continue playing, he could provide valuable veteran leadership to a Bills team that parted ways with cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer, both key contributors on and off the field.
The Bills have already made strides in bolstering their linebacker unit by selecting Washington linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio in the fifth round of the draft. While Ulofoshio is expected to primarily contribute on special teams initially, his versatility and potential impact on defense could be significant moving forward, as highlighted by Ralph Ventre of SI.com’s Bills Central.
