Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano has battled more injuries than most players in the NFL over the past few seasons. Once a first-team All-Pro, Milano has played in just nine games over the last two years, missing most of 2024 due to a biceps tear.
This offseason, he restructured his contract—not only taking a pay cut but also shortening his deal, setting himself up for free agency in 2025. That move has sparked speculation about his future in Buffalo, with some analysts wondering if the team might trade him before his contract expires.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes the Carolina Panthers could be a logical landing spot if the Bills decide to part ways with Milano.
“The Panthers have been focused on building around quarterback Bryce Young, but they’re also making moves to shore up their defense,” Palacios wrote. He pointed out that while Carolina added defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton in free agency, they still need help at linebacker, especially with Jadeveon Clowney’s future uncertain and Josey Jewell struggling to meet expectations.
Milano, when healthy, would be an immediate upgrade to Carolina’s linebacker corps. While he’s solid against the run, his real strength lies in pass coverage. In his last full season (2022), he earned an impressive 82.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking seventh among inside linebackers. That skill set would pair well with Jewell, who is more of a run-stopper.
As for trade value, Milano’s injury history means he’d likely fetch no more than a Day 3 draft pick. At that price, the Panthers could see him as a worthwhile short-term solution while they search for a long-term answer at linebacker.
However, despite the speculation, it’s unlikely that Buffalo will actually trade Milano. The Bills are in win-now mode, pushing for a Super Bowl in 2025, and a healthy Milano remains a vital piece of their defense. If he can stay on the field, he’ll be much more valuable in Buffalo’s playoff push than as a trade chip.
