The Buffalo Bills couldn't afford too many gut-punches as they prepared to fend off the improved Dolphins and Jets in the AFC East, but it appears as though the football gods were not willing to let Buffalo get away scot-free. Matt Milano, who missed most of 2023 with an injury, suffered a serious bicep tear.
Milano will be out for most of the 2024 season, per Adam Schefter. If he is going to play, Milano will only be able to come back late in December. This will put recent draftees like Dorian Williams in the spotlight. Deion Jones, a veteran eyeing a backup role with Buffalo, could benefit from this unfortunate situation.
Jones was fighting for a 53-man roster spot when he arrived in Buffalo, but injuries to Milano and special teamer Baylon Spector make it increasingly difficult to forsee a situation in which he is left off the final roster. Jones' speed, pedigree, and experience could be held in high regard by Sean McDermott.
Jones could have the perfect opportunity to revitalize his career. With Milano on the mend and a bunch of young players around him, Jones could be the veteran leader this defense needs to truly take off in 2024.
Deion Jones is making this team. https://t.co/FQF6rKbndb
— Bills Chat Podcast (@BillsChatPod) August 15, 2024
Deion Jones could make Bills roster after Matt Milano injury
Jones started his career in splendid fashion. With the Falcons, Jones recorded 8.5 sacks and 11 interceptions (five of which were returned for touchdowns) in six yeard. However, after a noteworthy dedcline in quality as a tackler and run-stuffer, Jones was cast away. He bounced between the Browns and Panthers in the last two seasons.
Jones will likely not be a starter, as Williams and 2022 third-rounder Terrel Bernard will be penciled in as Milano's main replacements. However, given how Williams remains a relatively unproven player, he needs to keep looking over his shoulder for a veteran like Jones.
The Bills' defense lost Tre'Davious White and Jordan Poyer in the offseason as part of a roster thinning meant to preserve financial flexibility, making their once-mighty defense much less potent from both a star power and depth point of view. Losing Milano was the exact nightmare scenario the team hoped to avoid.
Jones is likely well aware of the fact this is the last house on the block for his professional career. If he is unable to help pitch in and replace Milano in Buffalo, it could make it tough for him to latch on elsewhere in the NFL.