Linebacker Matt Milano, who turns 31 this month, needs to show what he still can do not only for the Bills, but for his own career.
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Editor’s note: This is the third in a series previewing the Bills’ position groups as training camp looms. Today: Linebackers.
Linebacker Matt Milano being healthy on the field was a pleasant sight for the Buffalo Bills this spring. After tearing his bicep in the preseason last summer, Milano played four regular-season games last season, along with three playoff contests, in his comeback.
He now has a full offseason to get back to form after being marred by injuries the past two years.
“Yeah, he’s dialed in,” coach Sean McDermott said of Milano in June. “Physically, he looks really good, and he’s just really trying to have a good offseason. I think it’s been the first in one or two years now where he hasn’t been having to rehab necessarily. But Matt’s always working on things, always working on his body. Making sure he is in prime condition come training camp.”
But Milano has more to prove. In March, the Bills restructured Milano’s deal. He took a pay cut, albeit one that could be made back if he were to achieve incentives, and now he can become a free agent in 2026 as opposed to 2027.
Milano, who turns 31 this month, needs to show what he still can do not only for the Bills, but for his own career.
From left, Bills linebackers Dorian Williams, Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard are shown during minicamp on June 11. Can all three stay healthy this season?
Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
On the roster: 8
Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Joe Andreessen, Shaq Thompson, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Keonta Jenkins, Baylon Spector, Matt Milano.
How many on the final 53?
Five.
Most impactful offseason move
Extending Bernard. The Bills doled out a four-year extension to the starting linebacker and team captain in March. Shoring up Bernard helps the Bills now and in the future. There wasn’t too much movement for the group otherwise, but this move also stands out in its impact for knowing the team captain will be around for the foreseeable future. Bernard, 26, has proven himself and now he has been rewarded for it.
Biggest question to answer in camp
How is the depth behind Milano and Bernard? The Bills have been hit with injuries before, and last season Dorian Williams stepped up. Milano and Bernard are finally set to get a full offseason together, but the Bills want to keep an eye on the depth chart behind them. Joe Andreessen was a pleasant surprise last year, going from a feel-good story to a genuine contributor on special teams. Still, starting experience is limited amongst the group, and the team will want to balance preparing the backups while giving first-team reps to the starters.
Battle to watch
Baylon Spector vs Edefuan Ulofoshio. The first battle here is whether or not Spector can stay healthy. The fourth-year linebacker again missed time with an injury during minicamp. But if Spector can work his way back to the field, then he has to compete with Ulofoshio, a second-year linebacker, for a roster spot. A fifth-round pick of the Bills in 2024, Ulofoshio played in just four games last season. If the Bills’ goal remains to draft, develop and re-sign, they’ll want to give the younger linebacker more playing time to truly see what he has to offer.
Under-the-radar player
Shaq Thompson. While the veteran linebacker is dealing with injuries, the Bills brought him in due to his familiarity with McDermott from their Carolina Panthers days. Thompson was limited during OTAs and minicamp, but he’s expected to be ready to go for training camp. Thompson, 31, brings more experience to a group of younger backups. “(He’s) a veteran player who’s smart, savvy, has played really all positions at linebacker,” said Bills linebackers coach Al Holcomb, who also overlapped with Thompson in Carolina.
