Well, it was announced on Thursday that Jets linebacker and five-time (!) second-team All-Pro,
CJ Mosley, has retired from football.
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Why Would Matt Milano Make Sense As A Replacement For Mosley?
Just the idea of whether the Jets need a direct replacement for Mosley is perhaps contentious, for the former Alabama product barely played at inside linebacker in 2024 due to injuries to his toe and neck.
Back in March, the Jets released the 33-year old Mosley, but there was always a possibility – although perhaps not distinct – that he could return to New York – his home for the previous six years.
Now that the door is officially closed on a Mosley reunion with the Jets, barring some very strange turn of events, the Jets may want to bolster what is a thin group behind starters Quincy Williamsand Jamien Sherwood.
A veteran presence like Milano could enhance the insurance options in New York and add some much-needed locker room stability for an organization that has been in seemingly unending turmoil.
Why Would The Bills Be Willing To Part With Matt Milano?
On Buffalo’s end, Milano’s poor injury track record and elevated age could make him expendable, especially for a team whose locker room culture is one of the NFL’s absolute best.
Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard have acted as the de facto starters during Milano’s extended periods of absence over the past couple of years, and they should have no problem holding down the fort were the Bills to decide to move on.
Milano would not garner an absolute haul, but playing on a 1 year, $6 million deal in 2025, he should not be prohibitively expensive for the Jets, who have the fifth most remaining cap space going into this upcoming season.
And were the Bills to take on some of Milano’s contract, his value to the Jets could be substantially higher. Not high enough to get into serious, serious trade compensation territory, but certainly more than just a routine swap of late round picks in a far-away draft.
New York Jets receive: Matt Milano, 2026 sixth round pick.
Buffalo Bills receive: 2026 fifth round pick, 2027 seventh round pick.
