CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles pairs Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano with 2026 draft prospect Anthony Hill Jr. for the Los Angeles Rams. The analyst notes Los Angeles may need wide receiver help beyond Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, but a versatile, impactful linebacker could never hurt. The Rams have Nate Landman but pairing Hill with Milano could take the linebacker corps to a different level al-together. It would also relieve a lot of stress off defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s shoulders. Now, let’s take a good look at the 31-year-old Bills linebacker and how he fits into the Rams picture.
NFL Trade Rumors : Puka Nacua’s Los Angeles connected to Buffalo LB Matt Milano
Milano was drafted by the then-Tyrod Taylor-led Buffalo in 2017 in the fifth round as the 163rd overall pick. He recorded 572 total tackles [372 solo], 14.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 39 passes defended, two defensive touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 106 games over nine seasons playing for the Bills. The veteran LB has also had seven past injuries: grade 2 thigh hamstring strain, grade 2 chest pectoral strain, unspecified grade 1 abdomen muscle sprain/pull, grade 3 knee MCL tear, grade 1 leg tibial plateau fracture, grade 3 arm bicep tear, grade 1 inguinal groin pull, and grade 1 chest pectoral pull. According to Draft Sharks, the 31-year-old linebacker has a 49 percent chance of injury in 2026 and a 3.9 percent chance of injury per game. The one-time Pro Bowler is projected to miss 1.90 games in 2026, and his durability score [ability to produce despite relatively minor injuries] is 3.02 [5 is most durable]. He currently has no injuries. But his parent franchise has released him after nine long, committed seasons. Now, several analysts are picturing him in Los Angeles. SB Nation’s Danny Stone reports Milano’s best days are behind him, but he could have some juice left in the tank, and for that matter, he could be a veteran presence to help place Los Angeles over the top. Heavy Sports’ Josh Buckhalter reports the Rams struck gold with LBNate Landman in 2025 free agency, and this year they could repeat it with Buffalo LB. He could be the push Los Angeles needs to land a Super Bowl win.
Rams strengthen with Chiefs CBs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson
Rams Wire’s Oliver G. reports Los Angeles fixed its secondary by acquiring Kansas City Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and by keeping safety Kamren Curl. They also re-signed another crucial safety: Quentin Lake. This has led several analysts to shift their focus to the offensive side of the ball in draft projections for the Rams. So that means the defensive side of the ball, that is, the linebacker position, could be filled by a veteran. That’s where Milano fits the picture for Los Angeles. Anyhow, Milano will turn 32 this July. He recorded 67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 2025. According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, the Boston College alum is projected to sign a one-year, $4.59M contract, giving him a $4.6M average annual income. His total career earnings over nine years are $61M. Heavy Sports’ Josh Buckhalter reports the Rams have the cap space, and they are known for bargain hunting at off-ball linebacker. Something that led them to Landman. And something that could lead them to Milano. Would Puka Nacua’s Rams sign him? Only time will tell…
