The Buffalo Bills have one clear objective this offseason—make the necessary moves to finally break through and secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
Last year, the team made waves by trading away star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While his departure initially raised concerns about the offense’s firepower, those doubts were quickly put to rest as Josh Allen secured his first league MVP award in 2024.
Now, another major shake-up could be on the horizon, with reports suggesting a key defensive player might be on the trade block.
Matt Milano Identified as a Trade Candidate
Bills GM Brandon Beane has done a solid job assembling a competitive roster, but is it enough to overcome Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC? According to Brandon Ray of BuffaLowDown, more changes might be necessary—including a potential trade involving veteran linebacker Matt Milano.
“It’s really unfortunate what has happened to Matt Milano over the last two seasons,” Ray wrote. “A season-ending injury in Week 5 of 2023, followed by a torn bicep before the 2024 season that kept him sidelined until Week 13. Milano has struggled to stay on the field lately, but we can’t ignore the impact he’s had since joining the Bills in 2017.”
Ray added, “He’s been a key playmaker, capable of covering tight ends and playing sideline-to-sideline defense. A fan favorite for years, but like all things, this could be nearing the end. If not in 2025, then 2026 might be the year Bills fans receive that dreaded notification that Milano is leaving Buffalo.”
Durability & Cap Concerns Could Lead to a Move
When healthy, Milano has been a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense. However, injuries have become a major issue. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in just nine regular-season games. He also missed significant time in 2020.
Milano was a force in 2021 and 2022, tallying 185 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. But at 31 years old and with a base salary exceeding $9 million in 2025, his long-term viability is a growing concern.
The emergence of linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams has provided Buffalo with a potential contingency plan. Both players performed well in Milano’s absence last season, raising the question of whether the Bills could afford to move on from the former All-Pro.
Still, if Buffalo is in a true “Super Bowl or bust” mindset for 2025, the front office must weigh whether parting with Milano would actually make the team better—or if his leadership and talent are too valuable to lose.
