The Buffalo Bills overhauled their defense after firing head coach Sean McDermott earlier this year, parting ways with several core players.
One of the biggest names among that group is still waiting for his next team. Linebacker Matt Milano was one of Buffalo’s top performers on defense for several years, though his performance was slowed by injuries in recent years.
Milano hit free agency after the end of his $28 million contract extension earlier this year, with no teams yet signing him.
Matt Milano Could Fit With Other Teams
Some NFL reporters believe Milano can still contribute in 2026, despite his long wait for a new team. Bills analyst Brandon Ray of FanSided predicted he could join the Miami Dolphins, adding a much-needed veteran to the linebacking corps.
âFor any Bills fans that loved seeing Matt Milano on Bills blue, this would be devastating. However, Milano is from the state of Florida and he knows the AFC East very well,â Ray wrote. âNot to mention, the Dolphins drafted Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez who has a very similar playstyle to Milano. Bringing in Milano to be a mentor for Rodriguez would not be a bad idea on the Dolphinsâ end.â
Others have suggested the Bills could look to bring back Milano on a more affordable contract. General manager Brandon Beane has been known to bring back former players, with Tre’Davious White and Gabe Davis returning to the team in 2025 after spending the previous season elsewhere.
Several other former Bills players are joining Milano in looking for a new team. That includes White, who has been identified as another player who could return.
Bills edge rusher A.J. Epenesa found a difficult path to his newest team. After initially signing with the Cleveland Browns earlier in the offseason, he failed a physical that brought an end to the deal. Epenesa later found a home with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bills Could Target Different Veteran Linebacker
Some NFL analysts believe the Bills could look elsewhere to boost their linebacking corps. NFL.com suggested they could look at veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, one of the biggest defensive names left on the open market.
âQuestioning how much the 36-year-old has left in what should be a Hall of Fame career is fair, but statistically speaking, Wagner wakes up with 100 tackles,â NFL.com said. âHeâs got 14 seasons under his belt and in each one heâs hit triple digits, with 10 straight eclipsing 130. After 162 tackles last season, including 4.5 sacks, thereâs run left and the Bills need an off-ball ‘backer with Matt Milano gone and Terrel Bernardâs trajectory hindered by injuries.â
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