The Loss of Matt Milano: Who Steps Up?
The announcement earlier today of Matt Milano’s torn bicep, which will keep him out indefinitely, is a devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 season. Milano played at an All-Pro level last season before breaking his leg in week five and missing the remainder of the season. Tyrel Dodson left for Seattle in free agency, A.J. Klein retired, leaving only Baylon Spector and Dorian Williams returning from the 2023 group that saw playing time in Milano’s absence. I will not act like this isn't a significant loss for the Bills’ defense when you factor in the other leaders they lost this offseason. They have time to adjust and find Milano’s replacement before the season starts, unlike last year, when they had to change five weeks into the season. Milano’s pass coverage and blitzing abilities will be next to impossible to replace, but some options exist. Here are some players on the roster who will have an opportunity to fill the role, as well as external candidates.
Dorian Williams - 6’2”, 230 lbs: Williams is the most logical candidate to take the spot and would be the best-case scenario. He was drafted last year to learn Milano’s position and develop into his backup. With similar size and speed, he has improved in the run game but lacks in pass coverage. With two career starts under his belt, this could be the opportunity he needs for his career to take off, similar to Terrel Bernard in 2023.
Baylon Spector - 6’0”, 233 lbs: Spector is entering his third season with the Bills and saw playing time in 9 games in 2023. He also has a similar size and quickness to Milano but lacks strength and the ability to get dirty between the tackles. His knock coming out of Clemson was being too patient in the run game and struggling to take on blocks. His system knowledge may give him a leg up in the competition, but I don’t think he will take the starting job.
Edefuan Ulofoshio - 6’1”, 239 lbs: Ulofoshio is an athletic rookie linebacker with upside but is early in his NFL development. Coming out of Washington, his instincts and ability to shed blocks were concerns he could make up for with his speed and athletic ability. He has been discussed as a possible player the Bills could stash on IR this season, similar to how they handled Justin Shorter last year. Barring an unexpected improvement, Ulofoshio lining up next to Terrel Bernard in week 1 will mean things have gotten much worse for the Bills’ linebacker group.
Shaquille Leonard - 6’2”, 230 lbs: I have no idea what Leonard still has left in the tank at this point in his career, but he is only 29 years old. He was one of the best linebackers in the NFL until injuries piled up, which led to subpar play, ending his tenure in Indianapolis. He is now a free agent after a short stint with the Eagles. Maybe the time off has helped him heal, and he is an option for the Bills. I am not saying the Bills should sign Leonard, but his size and style of play when he was healthy are factors in being on this list. He may be worth a visit to see what he has to offer.
Lastly, a player we do not know is available at this time. Rosters need to be reduced over the next two weeks, and there will be some cap casualties or players who get traded before August 27th. Teams with strong linebacker groups, like the San Francisco 49ers or the New York Giants, have depth and could be potential trade partners. There are options. Without a doubt, the Bills are a better team when Matt Milano is on the field. This is another setback in an injury-riddled career, but the timing at least gives the team a chance to replace him before the season starts and build the chemistry the defense will need to be successful in 2024. They played the last 14 games in 2023 without Milano in the lineup and they will most likely be playing that many without him to start this season. Who will step up for them?
