Early Friday morning, the Buffalo Bills made headlines by extending linebacker Terrel Bernard to a four-year, $50 million extension. This move by the Bills put Bernard as the second Bills player from the 2022 draft class to receive an extension, with wide receiver Khalil Shakir getting the first one.
Brandon Beane is showing that he believes in what he has done to help build up this championship roster. When you look at Bernard’s contract as compared to former Bills and current Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds that he received from Chicago, it’s looks like the Bills got themselves a bargain based on the production Bernard has given them.
Bernard is the future of the defense, with him already being a captain. He’s got a long career setup in Orchard Park. However, while fans are preparing for him to lead this defense, there is another long time fan-favorite linebacker who could be on his way out very soon.
Matt Milano has been one of the heart and soul players for this defense since being drafted in 2017. A 5th-round pick out of Boston College, Milano has had a ton of success and has given Bills Mafia plenty of great memories. Unfortunately, Milano’s durability has decreased a lot over the last two seasons. Having a season-ending leg injury in 2023 and ther tearing his bicep before the start of the 2024 season, Milano may be on his way out of the organization.
Even though Dorian Williams could easily step in as a future starter for when Milano leaves, Tom Fornelli from CBS Sports posted a mock draft that has the Bills drafting Milano’s replacement.
Latest NFL mock draft has Bills drafting Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
"Jihaad Campbell was my top linebacker in the class going into the combine, and that ranking was only solidified by his performance in Indianapolis. He would make a lot of sense for the Buffalo defense."Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
Campbell has enough speed in his game to work sideline-to-sideline while also being able to take on coverage in the back field. He’s not exactly the type of linebacker that can cover a linebacker, but that’s where Bernard can come into play.
Having his breakout season with the Crimson Tide last season (119 total tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles), Campbell could easily hear his name be called on the first night of the draft. Depending on how free agency plays out for the Bills, Brandon Beane may want to consider bringing Campbell to Buffalo if he is available.