PITTSFORD, N.Y. The 2025 season outlook for veteran Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano took a turn back in March when he agreed to restructure his deal. After struggling through back-to-back injury shortened seasons including a fractured tibia in 2023 and a torn biceps in 2024 the 31 year old accepted a $3 million pay cut, effectively removing the final year of his contract in 2026 and making this his final season under contract in Buffalo.
Despite those setbacks, Milano made a strong statement on Monday, the first fully padded practice of training camp. He turned in a vintage performance, flying around the field and delivering a highlight-reel hit on K.J. Hamler during 11-on-11 drills. Reading the play perfectly, Milano transitioned from a backpedal into a sprint and leveled Hamler just as the receiver caught a pass from Josh Allen, sending him to the turf.
It was the kind of explosiveness fans have come to expect from the All Pro linebacker. After the play, Milano was swarmed by teammates, including second-year safety Cole Bishop, who was visibly fired up.
Slot corner Taron Johnson summed up the mood afterward: “It felt good… We’ve been playing flag football for a while now. Pads are on. Now it’s time to hit.”
The team must still weigh Milano’s long-term future, especially with Dorian Williams waiting in the wings. However, Williams missed Monday’s session due to a calf injury, giving Milano a chance to shine in his absence. Johnson praised the veteran’s consistency, saying, “He is who he is. I’ve seen it for nine years. It’s nothing new, but it helps us a lot.”
Camp Highlights and Notes:
Benford vs. Hamler Gets Heated
One of the day’s most intense battles came between Christian Benford and K.J. Hamler during 1-on-1 drills. Hamler caught two of three passes against the Bills’ top corner, and the exchange included some trash talk after each rep. On the final play, Hamler faked out Benford and sprinted downfield for a big gain, yelling back at Benford, who quickly returned the banter. The competitive fire was exactly what Johnson likes to see in camp: “Iron sharpens iron. That’s how we get better.”
Kincaid Dealing with Knee Soreness
Head coach Sean McDermott said Dalton Kincaid is dealing with “knee soreness,” which kept the tight end out of Monday’s practice. With Dawson Knox already sidelined, Kincaid’s absence was noticeable. After focusing heavily on physical training in the offseason, missing time now could affect his on field chemistry with Josh Allen a critical factor as the team prepares for the new season.
Kincaid was one of 12 Bills players held out of Monday’s practice.
Rookie Hairston Delivers Big-Time Play
Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston continued his strong camp performance by breaking up a deep pass intended for Khalil Shakir during team drills. After initially biting on Allen’s play action fake, Hairston recovered, turned on the speed, and knocked away what looked like a sure completion. The play was a big confidence boost for the 2025 first-round pick.
Greg Rousseau Dominates in the Trenches
Defensive end Greg Rousseau caused constant disruption in the backfield. He powered through Ryan Van Demark and O’Cyrus Torrence for a sack on one play, then followed up by swatting an Allen pass on the next nearly picking it off after diving for the deflection.
Rousseau’s size, speed, and burst continue to make him a nightmare for opposing blockers and a key piece of the Bills’ defensive front heading into 2025.
