Matt Milano is one of several players who’s re-signed with the Bills this offseason, and the linebacker says he’s returning to Buffalo with one goal in mind: a Super Bowl run.
In a recent interview with the Orlando Sentinel (Milano was in Central Florida for a youth football camp), Milano says the Bills are determined to build on their AFC Championship appearance last season. Buffalo went 13-3 in the regular season and captured the AFC East with ease.
“Super Bowl bound. That’s the goal every year, to make it to the Super Bowl,” Milano said. “That’s definitely on our minds.”
Milano, 26, inked a four-year, $41.5 million deal with the Bills in March. He says he never imagined signing elsewhere.
“I got drafted there and I’m back with them,” he said. “That’s my place, that’s my home, and I can’t wait to get back there. Hopefully the fans will get to come out this year, which will be great. I’m really excited it all worked out.”
A 2017 fifth round pick, Milano enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, recording 101 tackles. Interestingly enough, the Bills drafted him just weeks before Brandon Beane was hired as general manager. Milano is part of Doug Whaley’s last draft class.
But if Whaley gets credit for identifying Milano, then Beane should be lauded for building a program that’s allowed him to thrive. Milano’s skills have improved exponentially playing under head coach Sean McDermott, and it’s apparent he loves the culture.
Every Super Bowl team features stalwarts like Milano, who’s part of Buffalo’s young defensive core. He’s one of the best cover linebackers in the NFL, and a solid compliment to Tremaine Edwards, who’s just 23-years-old.
The Bills also extended Micah Hyde to a discounted deal before free agency, keeping the hard-hitting safety in Orchard Park. All of these re-signings will allow the Bills to draft for skill in the NFL Draft next week, rather than being forced to fill a need.
They also promise to keep Buffalo’s salary cap position under control.
In other words, Milano’s re-signing isn’t just part of a plan to be Super Bowl bound this year. It helps lay the foundation for the Bills to contend for years to come.
