This could be a big season for Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano in a contract year.
Entering this season, linebacker Matt Milano may be one of the top players under the most pressure on the Buffalo Bills. He has developed over the years since the Bills drafted him in the 2017 NFL Draft into a starting linebacker and a key piece to this defense.
This coming season is a contract year for Milano and with another strong season he could be one of the top free agents available next offseason.
Milano didn’t immediately become a starter but saw playing time down the stretch as a rookie with five starts. He finished that year with 49 total touchdowns, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.
The strong finish to his rookie year propelled him into being a full-time starter in 2018 playing alongside Tremaine Edmunds. He finished that season with 78 total tackles, 3 interceptions and a sack. However, a broken leg ended his season short and he played in only 13 games.
It was this past season though that he really broke out and was on the field almost the entire season, playing 86% of the defensive snaps. He would go on to break 100 total tackles for the first time in his career and even beat his sack total slightly with 1.5 sack.
Season Outlook for Matt Milano in 2020
It is hard to imagine much changes from his season last year. He is a lock to be the team’s starting outside linebacker and with the Buffalo Bills utilizing nickel frequently, will be one of two linebackers on the field.
He is a bit of a jack of all trades for this defense as he does everything well to good in terms of rushing the quarterback, dropping back into coverage and defending the run. The ability to Milano brings to this defense is a big reason they are able to stay in nickel a majority of the time.
This year, considering it is a contract year, could give Matt Milano just a little more motivation and I believe his stats will reflect that.
Prediction: 110 total tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, two sacks