The Buffalo Bills are shifting their focus to the upcoming offseason following significant changes in their leadership, including the firing of Sean McDermott and the hiring of Joe Brady as head coach. Brady, who has begun assembling a strong coaching staff, now relies on general manager Brandon Beane to navigate free agency and the draft successfully. With heightened expectations, Beane faces considerable pressure to enhance the roster for the team’s future.
While fans eagerly await new player acquisitions, some familiar faces may depart. Among those potentially on the move is linebacker Matt Milano, a fan favorite who has been with the Bills since 2017.
Milano’s Future with the Bills in Question Amid Injury Concerns
In the previous offseason, the Bills restructured Milano’s contract so that he would become a free agent after the 2025 season. Milano’s recent history of injuries and his contract year this past season raise questions about whether the team will continue with him or seek alternatives at the linebacker position.
If the Bills decide to part ways with Milano, there are trade candidates who could serve as his replacement.
Potential Replacement: Saints’ Pete Werner as a Trade Option
Sports analyst Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report highlighted linebacker Pete Werner of the New Orleans Saints as a possible trade target for the Bills. Werner’s reduced role in New Orleans this past season makes him a plausible player to acquire, alongside other potential targets such as wide receivers A.J. Brown and Brandon Aiyuk, addressing the Bills’ need for offensive weapons.
Replacing Matt Milano could be on the agenda this offseason. Pete Werner’s role in New Orleans shrank this season, but he’s still the kind of athletic ‘backer who could help the Bills.
— Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report
The Saints recently extended Werner’s contract in 2024, but the team appears to be entering a rebuilding phase despite having promising quarterback Tyler Shough at the helm. New Orleans might be inclined to trade Werner for additional draft assets, which would benefit both teams if the Bills acquire him as a replacement for Milano.
Werner’s Performance and Fit for the Bills’ Defense
Werner played in all 17 games during the last season and recorded 81 tackles, including two sacks. At 26 years old, his ability to cover the field sideline to sideline aligns with the dynamic playmaking role that Milano has held with Buffalo. Bringing Werner in would address a critical defensive position without the Bills needing to invest a high draft pick in a linebacker.
Implications for the Bills’ Offseason Strategy
Acquiring Pete Werner could provide the Bills with a reliable and athletic linebacker to fill the void left by Milano, simultaneously supporting their defensive strategy and freeing resources for other roster improvements. As the team advances into free agency and the draft period, this move would signal a willingness to adapt and rebuild key units while maintaining competitive strength.
Watching how Brandon Beane manages these negotiations will be crucial in shaping the Bills’ prospects for the upcoming seasons, particularly with a new coaching staff in place and evolving roster needs.
