Denver Broncos: Linebacker Matt Milano would make a lot of sense in free agency
As the clock counts down to the start of the NFL’s free-agent signing period, teams around the league are really starting to narrow down their lists of potential signings.
For the Denver Broncos, the linebacker spot could be one to keep an eye on. Though the team does have Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell on the inside, improvements could be made to the group in terms of finding a coverage linebacker.
Matt Milano of the Buffalo Bills fits that description.
The Broncos’ defense could really use a player like Milano, the type of guy Vic Fangio’s defense could turn into a star. Others may see Tampa Bay’s LaVonte David as a better overall player, and he might be, but Milano is five years younger at only 26.
He is also a three-down linebacker, something that is becoming more scarce in today’s NFL. Milano can help against the run and he is adept at dropping back into coverage, something the Broncos need and have needed for some time.
Milano was one of the options for the Broncos that was discussed here.
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Jewell had a surprisingly solid season in 2020, but Milano would be an upgrade and would pair well with the rising star that is Johnson.
Buffalo would probably like to keep Milano, but it doesn’t have near the kind of cap space available that a team like the Broncos has. Denver would likely be able to offer Milano a significantly bigger contract than the one he could get to stay in Western New York.
Milano was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft and has spent the first four years of his career in Buffalo. He has 273 career tackles, six sacks and five interceptions, but he’s one of those players that is all over the field and seemingly around the ball on every play.
Milano could give the Broncos defense something it hasn’t had for some time in a quality coverage linebacker. .Because of that, his is a name to watch when free agency begins.