One Buffalo Bill NFL insider believes a Matt Milano trade is possible this offseason that could send shockwaves across the league. According to the source, Milano’s future with the Buffalo Bills is up in the air after suffering two back-to-back season-ending injuries where he was out of the contest for multiple games. It makes sense why the Bills could look to trade him since he doesn’t have the durability to be a sufficient linebacker in the league anymore. However, it seems odd the Bills would trade Milano since he does have his good moments but at the same time, they’re going to put the team’s interests first and build a capable defense in the AFC.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Boston College product became one of the better elite pass rushers in coverage who could play sideline-to-sideline football and become physical against tight ends. Unfortunately, all things must come to an end and that is likely the case for veteran Von Miller as well. In 2021 and 2022, he put up All-Pro numbers, recording 185 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and recovered four fumbles. He’s an elusive linebacker who could still put on a show only if he can stay healthy.
This is why teams that need an answer at the linebacker position might want to consider trading for Milano. Teams like the Saints and Panthers could take a chance on the Pro Bowler. Milano carries a $16 million cap hit toward the salary so the Bills are better off sending him to another team but in the NFC.
NFL Insider Urges a Matt Milano Trade Must Happen – Saints, Panthers Possible Fits
Creating a Budget
The New Orleans Saints are hitting another financial crisis this upcoming offseason as they have several players with an uncertain future. Last year, they got away with signing Chase Young on a bargain steal but he’ll likely walk to a new team for greener pastures. However, they have an aging defensive front which includes defensive lineman Cameron Jordan and safety Tyrann Mathieu. These two players will likely hit the market this offseason since the Saints need to release more than add.
Perhaps, general manager Mickey Loomis could make something happen with the budget again for a Matt Milano trade. He carries a big cap hit but if it means improving the pass rusher for just a year, the Saints should take the risk. It doesn’t help knowing the quarterback situation is bleak so they should use the time to build a capable defense to give them a shot of winning regular season games. Milano might not be the godfather piece but when healthy, he could change the course of this defense around in a positive way.
Rebuilding the Panthers
As for the Panthers, they spent the majority of last offseason building an offense for quarterback Bryce Young. However, they must do something about the team’s defense since they never addressed the linebacker position after losing Brian Burns to the Giants. Shaq Thompson is a free agent so this means they should be in the market for a linebacker. Perhaps, if they wind up trading Jadeveon Clowney, they could send him to Buffalo for a team that’s a contender in return for a younger linebacker who’s still reviving his career from injuries.
This scenario alone makes too much for it not to happen. Milano isn’t going to get more than 10 sacks but he’s easily the best man out there on defense other than Derrick Brown.
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