Source: LB Matt Milano looking for “top dollar” in FA

[Kelsayrundefense]

3 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

Agree. I would be more worried if he said, “nah— looking for a mediocre deal in free agency.”

 

isn’t the goal of free agency to maximize your contract? 

You would think but some fans get funny about guys trying to maximize their money.  The 2nd contract, is huge for these guys if they get a multi-year deal.  Laurent Robinson lives in my neighborhood.  He was a WR for the cowboys and Jags.  He cashed in off a nice season with Dallas and the Jags gave him 14 million guaranteed.  They released him a year later and he never played again.  Anything can happen in the NFL.

[Bubba Gump]

I love you dude, but see ya broham!!! Let some other team pay you top dollar to play 10 games a year. 

[RangerDave]

2 minutes ago, Kelsayrundefense said:

You would think but some fans get funny about guys trying to maximize their money.  The 2nd contract, is huge for these guys if they get a multi-year deal.  Laurent Robinson lives in my neighborhood.  He was a WR for the cowboys and Jags.  He cashed in off a nice season with Dallas and the Jags gave him 14 million guaranteed.  They released him a year later and he never played again.  Anything can happen in the NFL.

I could live happily ever after with 14 million guaranteed dollars, even after NY taxes....

[Blokestradamus]

7 minutes ago, Kelsayrundefense said:

Laurent Robinson lives in my neighborhood.  He was a WR for the cowboys and Jags.  He cashed in off a nice season with Dallas and the Jags gave him 14 million guaranteed.  They released him a year later and he never played again.  Anything can happen in the NFL.

 

Does he need a new best friend?

[Hapless Bills Fan]

52 minutes ago, Hebert19 said:

Good luck.  No one will pay top dollar for a guy that can't stay healthy.   He's a nice player but plug a rookie in and we won't see much drop off. 

 

As noted upthread: Deion Jones says "Hi".  Kwon Alexander also, I believe

[ROCBillsBeliever]

3 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

2022, but it’s not an automatic comp pick. It is factored into the comp pick formula and weighed against FA adds, etc

 

Which means that, if--as their cap space and team needs seem to indicate--New England picks up a bunch of FA's, they will LOSE THE COMP PICK FORMULA!!!

 

...

 

And all TBD shall rejoice!

 

[BuffaloBills1998]

Sounds crazy but I bet money he resigns with Buffalo. No ones going to pay top dollar for him in free agency, he can’t stay healthy and is either up or down. I think himself and his representation are going to be disappointed when they don’t see other teams overpaying for him. He resigns in Buffalo, 4 year deal.

[Eastport bills]

Milano does not deserve top dollar because he does not impact games like LBs , that get sacks, interceptions and more bone crunching tackles. Warner, Ingram, the 3 Tampa LBs, Van Noy, TJ Watt, Dupree , Leonard Floyd are all more durable and productive. Milano had a chance to put his stamp on our post season, he whiffed.  Let him find top dollar elsewhere. 

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

1 hour ago, Hebert19 said:

Good luck.  No one will pay top dollar for a guy that can't stay healthy.   He's a nice player but plug a rookie in and we won't see much drop off. 

 

I don't think his injuries will play any role in his market.  Maybe if he was coming off a torn achilles, or something devasating. But teams aren't going to discount him for getting banged up for a few games here and there every year. That has been the case for a lot of similar players like him.

 

So, the question really is: regardless of health, what sort of contract is justified by his pure talent?  I am not entirely sure, but the sportrac estimate of 3 years/$41M seems like a contract teams will be willing to offer him. 

[TC in St. Louis]

He's a very good player.  I'd like to keep the homegrown guys on the team.  Beane says Milano has earned the right to hit the market.  With the salary cap limitations, it is possible that his best shot is to stay right here in Buffalo where he belongs.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

3 minutes ago, TC in St. Louis said:

He's a very good player.  I'd like to keep the homegrown guys on the team.  Beane says Milano has earned the right to hit the market.  With the salary cap limitations, it is possible that his best shot is to stay right here in Buffalo where he belongs.

Risky move by him— but I kind of agree. He is well positioned for a 1- or 2-year deal, and then could really cash in when the cap goes up. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

18 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

I don't think his injuries will play any role in his market.  Maybe if he was coming off a torn achilles, or something devasating. But teams aren't going to discount him for getting banged up for a few games here and there every year. That has been the case for a lot of similar players like him.

 

So, the question really is: regardless of health, what sort of contract is justified by his pure talent?  I am not entirely sure, but the sportrac estimate of 3 years/$41M seems like a contract teams will be willing to offer him. 

 

I did look some.  It does seem like most of the guys who are pulling that money are on the field a bit more.

 

For talent, 3 years/$41M is certainly reasonable.

[AmishRifle]

I’d really like to get some nasty on our defense.  I know a lot of it is scheme but man I’d love to get some people that flat out hammer folks.  I think Milano is serviceable but, to me, Edmunds is soft.  

[MasterStrategist]

2 hours ago, appoo said:

So this is the downside of McDerott's system, which uses 2 Backers on he field almost all the time. You gotta PAY 2 backers who can be 3 down backers in any situation, AND be able to have them blitz. Those dudes are rare, and you usually find them in the first round (it's why Micah Parsons is gonna go in the first).

 

There is an excellent argument to be made to let one of Edmunds or Milano go, and then switch to a tradtional 4-3. have a traditional Mike, and traditional Sam/Will backers, who you ask to be more run stuff + flat + blitz off the edge. Those guys are cheaper, and then when you have pure pass downs, fields 6 DBs, and on hybrid situations, you can still run a nickel to be able play both run and pass. AJ Klein can be your 2nd backer on 3rd and 5, if the opposition is in 11 personnel. You can let Edmunds cover the middle and Klein run the flats. What you can't ask him to do is play a huge zone on 3rd and 10. Right now the Bills basically split the field between Edmunds and Milano, and that works against the non-elite TE teams.

 

Milano should be an Alpha dog MLB on a defense. The Bills D requires 2.

 

Let him go and get paid elsewhere, adjust your base system so you don't need 2 super talented backers.

Agree about alot of what you mentioned.  I just don't think Milano does anything "great", but he's just good at everything (blitzing, coverage, etc).  That coupled with injury concerns, at times, and it makes a difficult decision where to land with a contract offer. 

 

I dont think we end up adjusting our defense, and don't think Milano is an alpha dog MLB, unless that was a typo.  There will be Milano caliber players early in the draft or other options in FA.  

 

I'd rather spend the money on DL, and cut the fat up front to help provide additional cap money.  Milano and Edmunds would both look a lot better, with a better front 4.  Given our cap, I don't know if we cap pull off improving both (and giving the OL help).  So I'd prefer investing in the DL and go young in the draft

[Buddo]

Milano has been a very good player for the Bills in McDermott and Frazier's defense.

 

He will certainly help any 4-3 team.

 

Trouble is, he isn't elite.

 

The elite FAs, will still get paid this off-season.

 

After that, all bets are off.

 

Milano needs two teams to be seriously interested in him (outside of the Bills), to have a shot at 'big' money.

 

I hope he does get paid by someone, as he does deserve to be. As a 5th round pick, he has comfortably out-performed his draft position.

 

It's a bit odd, but realistically, for a guy like Milano, who is 'undersized' relatively, he needs to get his best deal now, as he's not exactly earned huge amounts in a good career so far.

 

In an 'ordinary' year, with the cap going up again, I think he probably could easily get $10-12million per. It would be a 'going rate' for a good (not elite) LBer of his type.

 

This, unfortunately, isn't going to be an 'ordinary' year, and the guys I believe will probably get hit hardest, are those like Milano, who are 'good' FAs, as opposed to 'elite'.

[BigBuff423]

I’m all for Milano getting whatever the market bears and I’m also good with the Bills doing what’s best for the team. Keeping that in mind, let’s remember Milano was Drafted by this very group of personnel in the 5th Round. 
 

This staff found, coached, and maximized his skills - they can and will do it again. 

[BigDingus]

Would love to keep him, but this LB corps & D-line needs a revamp. Hopefully the draft will focus heavily on that, combined with Star returning (in top form I hope)!

[BaaadThingsMan]

Guess he's gone then

[GreggTX]

Milano is good, but hardly irreplaceable. This is not the year to get top dollar, but if we drop Milano, Lotulelei and Addison, I believe that gets us under the cap but probably not enough. Addison got overpaid, was 34 and was pretty much invisible. We'd have to eat some dead money for dropping Addison ($4 mill?), but would still save over $2 mill. Stop overpaying medioce players Beane!

 

I wouldn't mind (if we lost Milano) to move Edmunds outside and draft a MLB on day 2. I'll be mildly surprised if we don't keep Brown though. We can't fill too many holes and neither Diggs nor Davhave top speed. Diggs can get deep, but he doesn't have T Hill speed. Then again.

 

I really hope there's a great value at OT, DE or outside CB at #30. A day 2 TE would be nice too, but I'm not crazy about drafting a LB or TE in the 1st unless it's a 'once every few years' talent that inexplicably falls to us.

 

If nothing else, make this team stronger in the trenches. We need a game changer on the DL.

Edited February 2, 2021 by GreggTX

[MJS]

8 hours ago, Rock-A-Bye Beasley said:

Guess we are getting a 3rd round comp pick for once 

No, I think New England gets one in this case. They called dibs on all AFC East comp picks, unfortunately.

[Paup 1995MVP]

8 hours ago, Redneck said:

A rookie or street FA might be a solid option - Edmunds will be in his 4th year and with AJ Klein, we have experience.  When we were just starting with the McBeane regime, both were young and in-experienced.

Milano is a good player.  But not a generational talent that can't be replaced.  Edmunds can walk.  He is the biggest liability on our defense.  Makes very few plays doesn't know how to tackle and has no instincts for the game.  Keep Klein and start fresh at LB.  The team will be better for it!

[BuffAlone]

A minamilist seeking more. go figure  lol. Hope he can afford a bed this time around

[HalftimeAdjustment]

Breaking news: free agent player seeks contract.

 

Up next: Scientists have determined that water is wet.

[RichRiderBills]

2 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

As noted upthread: Deion Jones says "Hi".  Kwon Alexander also, I believe

 

Yes but these guys prove the opposite. The falcons were terrible, and Kwon Alexander was a bust and traded. Jags broke the bank for Joe Schobert look what that got them.

[DCbillsfan]

9 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

 I think the LB position is easier to replace on the draft, and get immediate production from as a rookie,  than say RT. 

This sums up the situation re Milano.  The Bills re-signed White CB1 and Dawkins LT which left Milano on the outside looking in.  This is the way the NFL works now.  Good luck to Milano.

[Rocket94]

7 hours ago, freddyjj said:

So here is a perfect new MLB from Mizzou.  A body rocker and tone setter.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/nick-bolton/sx4whE3Yea

 

 

I am on board with this one! We may be able to get him!

 

[BobbyC81]

8 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Best of luck on your new team, Matt! 

Not if it’s the Pats.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

31 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

 

Yes but these guys prove the opposite. The falcons were terrible, and Kwon Alexander was a bust and traded. Jags broke the bank for Joe Schobert look what that got them.

 

I'm not trying to argue that anyone should or shouldn't break the bank for Milano.

 

I'm pointing out that the Falcons signed Deion Jones, who was off the field a similar amount, to a contract similar to what Milano is said to be seeking (4 years, average $14.25M/year) and likewise as a FA Kwon Alexander, who was off the field even more, was given a 4 year, $13.5M/yr contract

 

The point isn't that these guys are signings that turned out well for those teams. 

 

They're an example of the fact teams are willing to hand over the type of contract Milano is seeking to guys who saw the field a similar or lesser amount.

 

People who think that Milano won't get offered the contract he wants because he's injured too much are probably not correct.  The only reason he wouldn't is if there isn't a good match between his skill set and one of the teams with big cap space.

 

49 minutes ago, BuffAlone said:

A minamilist seeking more. go figure  lol. Hope he can afford a bed this time around

 

I think he has a bed, sofa, and desk now.

 

It's not just the guys themselves.  They have the opportunity to build generational wealth and to provide for their families as well as enhance or provide opportunities for their communities. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, GreggTX said:

Milano is good, but hardly irreplaceable. This is not the year to get top dollar, but if we drop Milano, Lotulelei and Addison, I believe that gets us under the cap but probably not enough. Addison got overpaid, was 34 and was pretty much invisible. We'd have to eat some dead money for dropping Addison ($4 mill?), but would still save over $2 mill. Stop overpaying medioce players Beane!

 

If we cut him, Lotulelei costs us more in dead cap than we save by about $4.7M per Overthecap

 

 

[GoBills!]

Hope is his new team doesn't ask for TE coverage, because he is horrible at that.

 

[Tipster19]

10 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

 

I don't love the idea of Ford at RT. RG maybe, but not tackle. 

 

I would definitely re-sign Feliciano because of his versatility and the role he plays bringing some personality to the OL. He isn't going to cost a ton of $$. 

 

Williams depends on the $$ he will command, I think. We might get lucky with teams strapped for cash and get him back for another 1 year deal with the idea that he can cash in next season when there's more $$ to be had. That allows us time to draft and develop a guy at tackle. 

I expect the Bills to dump Morse and replace him with Feliciano. Cody man’s one of the G positions, not sure if Ike and/or Williams stay at their respective positions. RT might be tricky if it’s not Williams but getting another G shouldn’t be too difficult or expensive if need be. Boot Morse, too much money tied up with him, especially being concussion prone, spend that money elsewhere and move on.

[Scott7975]

Love Milano but I don't think he is worth top dollar.  Mabey 10-12 mil

[atlbillsfan1975]

The only way Matt comes back is if it’s for whatever Beane thinks he is worth. I like having a competent GM who sets a price and lives with it. Milano will be overpaid in FA, just like Jordan Phillips was. Go ask the Cardinals if they got what they paid for. 

[The Frankish Reich]

10 hours ago, buffaloboyinATL said:

I mean, I imagine they are all looking for top dollar.  That means “the most they can get”.  I doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll get what they want.  

Agreed.

In other news:

"Area Homeseller Says He Plans to Take Highest Bid; Won't Sell to "Nice Family" That Wrote Him Heart-Felt Letter About How Much They Love The Home."

"Recent Graduate Inclined to Reject $25,000 Salary in Hometown in Favor of $250,000 Offer in New City."

 

I understand that writers gotta write, but you gotta do better than this.

[YoloinOhio]

7 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

They do have the most free cap. 

 

Reportedly hiring Ravens DL coach Joe Cullen as their new DC:

https://www.nfl.com/news/jaguars-to-hire-ravens-dl-coach-joe-cullen-as-new-defensive-coordinator

 

I guess we don't know what his defensive philosophy is, but don't the Ravens traditionally look for big thumpers at OLB?  Do you think Milano is a fit for him? 

 

What kind of defense is Urban Meyer known for?

Urban isn’t known for any specific scheme and will rely on his defensive staff for that but he does have player types. I have a feeling he will invest in a big DL in the draft like Barmore and the best corner he can get in FA.  I was thinking since they have a lot of money to spend in FA and Milano is from central Florida area maybe there could be a match there, but not sure how he fits into that defensive system. 

[pennstate10]

1 hour ago, Scott7975 said:

Love Milano but I don't think he is worth top dollar.  Mabey 10-12 mil

Pretty much this. 
I think Milano is an outstanding WLB. Very instinctive, solid tackler. 
 

but consider this:

1) he missed almost half the season due to injury. 
2) PFF ranked him 41 out of 80 OLB. Either they’re not very smart or I’m not. I would have him as top 10-15 OLB. Maybe TBD has him way overrated. I guess we’re about to find out. I hope he stays. 

[Augie]

5 hours ago, BaaadThingsMan said:

Guess he's gone then

 

But just think.......how much minimalism can you buy for top dollar? 

 

You could own almost ALL of NOTHING! 

 

 

 

.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Augie

[Big Blitz]

12 hours ago, FireChans said:

 

Who do you recommend that can stop Kelce? 

 

He doesn't exist.   

[Thurman#1]

I think he will get a lot for what he is. But obviously he's no Khalil Mack or Von Miller or even Bobby Wagner. He's a good rusher but not great.

 

So my guess is he's looking for around the best ILB who's not Bobby Wagner sort of thing. This also could be a start to negotiation. I think that's reasonably likely. IMO he'll get somewhere in the Kwon Alexander - Shaq Thompson range. $10 - $13M average salary sort of thing.

 

My guess is the Bills would be interested at $10M but not at $13M. And that if they are interested they would try to get him to sign a contract that is cap friendly for the first year, and that Milano would be very interested if the other terms were what he wanted.

 

If he wants too much, they'll let him go, but I think they will want him back and be willing to pay him a lot. He gives them a lot.

 

 

 

12 hours ago, GreggTX said:

Milano is good, but hardly irreplaceable. This is not the year to get top dollar, but if we drop Milano, Lotulelei and Addison, I believe that gets us under the cap but probably not enough. Addison got overpaid, was 34 and was pretty much invisible. We'd have to eat some dead money for dropping Addison ($4 mill?), but would still save over $2 mill. Stop overpaying medioce players Beane!

 

I wouldn't mind (if we lost Milano) to move Edmunds outside and draft a MLB on day 2. I'll be mildly surprised if we don't keep Brown though. We can't fill too many holes and neither Diggs nor Davhave top speed. Diggs can get deep, but he doesn't have T Hill speed. Then again.

 

I really hope there's a great value at OT, DE or outside CB at #30. A day 2 TE would be nice too, but I'm not crazy about drafting a LB or TE in the 1st unless it's a 'once every few years' talent that inexplicably falls to us.

 

If nothing else, make this team stronger in the trenches. We need a game changer on the DL.

 

 

No reason to replace Star, whether you're talking the value you (don't) save by cutting him, or the fact that we don't have a guy who does what he does.

 

Not signing Milano saves us zero, as he's a free agent. Addison would save us a bit but require us to spend money to replace him.

 

If Milano goes they're virtually certain to try to replace him by drafting another OLB.

 

Our game change on the DL is likely Oliver in his third year when he's got Lotulelei next to him.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Thurman#1

[machine gun kelly]

This is really a big so what.  Not directed at you Yolo, meaning every player as Shady stated is going to do what is best for them and their family, and the Bills are going to do what is best for them.  This wasn’t enlightening unless a person is in the minority thinking any player is doing the hometown discount.  That just doesn’t happen.

 

If it were you, and another employer offers you $2 mil. more, are you going to take it?  Now you work in an industry that you’re skills are finite.  You know you only have so many years to earn this income, and you will start a second career for considerably less.  You have to make this wealth for you’re family so you can live comfortably the rest of you’re life and you will have probably an ordinary regular guy job later.

 

This is why I don’t understand fans who think they will take less because they started on one team.  I hope we’re able to retain Milano as he undervalued by many, but if he gets more somewhere else, then we move on.  I do hope we at least provide a fair offer to him.