It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns need to upgrade at linebacker this offseason.
Both B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith are pending free agents, which leaves Cleveland without much depth at linebacker.
It was reported earlier this week that the Browns were interested in linebacker Lavonte David.
However, it sounds like David isn’t the only linebacker Cleveland is looking at this offseason.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that the Browns have Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano on their radar.
Mary Kay also says here that the Browns have Matt Milano "on their radar." #Bills https://t.co/oO3pcg8hE1
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) March 1, 2021
The former fifth-round pick is entering free agency after spending the last four seasons in Buffalo.
He could certainly be an upgrade to the Browns roster that desperately needs help at linebacker.
Milano Mania
Milano has played above expectations since being drafted by the Bills in 2017.
He made an impact as a rotational player during his rookie season with 49 tackles and two passes defended.
After that, he earned a starting role with the Bills heading into the 2018 season.
That was a smart decision by the Bills as Milano immediately made a significant impact as a starter.
In 2018, he recorded 78 tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions in 13 games.
Somehow, Milano followed that up with an even better campaign the next season.
Matt Milano appreciation tweet #Bills #BUFvsMIA pic.twitter.com/KCXNZIywGW
— Nick (@Nick_Wojton) November 17, 2019
He put himself on the map in 2019 with 101 tackles and nine passes defended in 16 games.
Sadly, his 2020 campaign was a bit of a down year, but that was partly due to the fact he only started five games with Buffalo.
He was forced to miss six games last season due to multiple injuries, but has been relatively healthy throughout his career.
Milano might not always put up flashy numbers, but is someone who has an excellent football IQ and is terrific in coverage.
Should Cleveland Sign Milano?
It certainly seems like the Browns have taken an interest in Milano this offseason.
The 26-year-old should have plenty of suitors after his four years in Buffalo.
Milano will look to cash-in with a long term contract after finishing out his four-year $2.66 million rookie contract.
It doesn’t sound like the Bills plan to franchise tag Milano, so he’ll likely be playing elsewhere in 2021.
#Bills Matt Milano throws the picked ball to his dad in the stands. That’s awesome pic.twitter.com/FQOuT4nWeM
— Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) November 11, 2018
The Browns are likely going to take a look at multiple linebackers this offseason.
However, more accomplished players such as David are going to cost the Browns more money.
It could be smart for Cleveland to bring in a player like Milano, assuming they don’t want to dish out $10 million per year to one player.
Milano probably won’t be heading to any Pro Bowls anytime soon, but he would still be an upgrade to this Browns defense.
His excellent vision and above average ability in pass coverage are going to land Milano a nice deal this offseason.
Whether or not it’s with Cleveland remains to be seen, but Milano is certainly an under-the-radar target for the Browns.
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