Matt Milano Injury: 5 potential Bills moves at linebacker

The Buffalo Bills find themselves once again without their beloved Matt Milano. A torn bicep, and the long recovery time following his surgery, look to derail the Bills defense for the hundreth time in the last four seasons. It seems to be fate, watching Buffalo struggle through the season without yet another star player. The next man up seems to be Dorian Williams, sophomore player out of Tulane, who spent much of last season playing rotationally next to Terrel Bernard in the absence of the very same Matt Milano. Expectations have him as the new starter, but it's an inevitably steep drop-off. Can he handle the reins until Matt Milano returns, in this season or the next?

But Dorian Williams is not the only option, nor is relying on our depth to outlast the season's struggles. There's a wealth of talent available to us, if we're only willing to make the sacrifice. Let's take a look at some players who can help out a now-barren linebacker core.

Shaquille Leonard

Formerly known as Darius, Shaq Leonard has made a name for himself throughout his career. The 2018 Defensive Rookie Of The Year was a force to be reckoned with, and was feared for much of his time with the Indianapolis Colts. His career highlights include being First-Team All-Pro in three of his first four seasons, leading the NFL in tackles as a rookie and, at one point, being the highest-paid outside linebacker in NFL history. Not much time has passed since then, so what's changed?

Primarily, Leonard has changed. He's suffered a plethora of injuries and was so badly beaten that his play was taking a long time to recover. He voiced frustrations about his playing time as he recovered, and was subsequently cut; It was a move that baffled NFL fans at the time. After being picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles the next week, he got some playing time and truly didn't look ready to play. One offseason later, he is still unsigned.

If he's willing to play for the right price, Shaq Leonard is one of those high-reward moves we so love to hear about. The idea that his play could return to form in 2024 is a wishful one, but not impossible. If his play isn't up to snuff, however, it may be to the detriment of the team to play him at all. He's part of a short list of plausible starters on the market, and still far from an ideal candidate.

A.J. Klein

If he hasn't already packed up his RV following his retirement announcement a few short weeks ago, A.J. Klein may just be willing to spin the tires one last time. He was the Bills emergency phone call late last season, as injuries continued to ravage our battered defense, and may have to do it again.

Though he was far from elite, his comfort within the team and knowledge of the defense makes him the only plug-and-play linebacker out there. Klein might just be the added depth we need to raise our floor, despite the little value he adds to raise our ceiling.

Zach Cunningham

Though perhaps not quite as legendary as Shaq Leonard, Zach Cunningham is a solid contender for wishful veteran pickup of the offseason. His early days with J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans are remembered fondly, but they're also long gone. Now, Cunningham would have to fit an unusual role by his standards. He had a solid season in 2023, but is likely still looking for a long-term deal and it's not one the Bills would offer.

Still, if the two sides could come to an agreement, there's potential for Cunningham to start as the OLB or play rotationally. The main obstacle would be his health, as he's coming off multiple injuries over the course of his past two seasons.

Kwon Alexander

Coming off a season-ending ruptured Achilles in November last season, Kwon Alexander is a big swing. He should be fully healthy now and ready to play, but which Kwon returns? It's a valid question. His best days are certainly behind him, but the pickings are rather slim at linebacker. If healthy, Alexander is a reasonable option, who can serve as veteran depth to a suddenly-young starting duo. Likely available for just above the veteran minimum, Alexander is an acceptable rotational player. He's one who can help secure the floor, and likely still has a few big plays left in him.

TRADE - Jamin Davis

The final option on this list isn't a free agent signing at all, but a trade. All the best contributors are on rosters already, so let's find one. Trade for Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders. Davis has racked up 269 tackles, seven sacks, and an interception in his three seasons for the Commanders. Physical and imposing, he's be one of the rare available players who could compete for the starting role, and at least serve as solid depth at a now-desperate position.

Now, what makes him such an appealing trade candidate for the Buffalo Bills right now? The simple answer, aside from availability, is cost and commitment. Davis is no longer in the running for a starting role, sitting behind Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. With that, his cost drops; Washington can trade him knowing they still have their primary contributors intact. He's also entering the final year of his rookie contract, with his fifth-year option declined by the Commanders. At most, Davis' value sits at roughly a future fifth-round selection, if that. The catch, and part of the reason for his cost and availability, is his off-field issues. Jamin Davis has been convicted of reckless driving this year, which seems to be a habit. Though jail time seems to have been avoided for now, and there were no injuries, it would be understandable for a team to not wish to commit to him long-term.

That's perfect for Buffalo, who's linebacker core is set for the future once the nightmare of another Matt Milano injury is over. By allowing Davis to compete here, he may earn that new contract elsewhere- A chance he won't get behind Wagner and Luvu. He fits the Bills salary cap, costing just over $2.5M post-trade. A clean, easy, stop-gap move that takes one worry off the minds of the team might be the best way forward.