Bills Cut Ties with Two Key Players to Free Cap Space, Re-Sign Star Linebacker Matt Milano to Massive Extension
The Buffalo Bills have officially cut ties with veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White and defensive end Shaq Lawson to free up cap space for a blockbuster contract extension for All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano.
Team sources confirmed Monday morning that the front office has agreed to terms with Milano on a four-year, $112 million extension, keeping one of the league’s top linebackers in Buffalo through the 2029 season.
This aggressive move underscores the Bills’ renewed commitment to remaining competitive in a loaded AFC landscape — particularly against rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
“Matt’s leadership, toughness, and versatility have been the heart of our defense,” said head coach Sean McDermott in a press conference. “We made difficult decisions today, but they were the right ones for the future of this team.”
Hard Cuts: Bills Say Goodbye to Two Fan Favorites
Cutting Tre’Davious White and Shaq Lawson was anything but easy. Both players have been instrumental in the Bills’ defensive identity over the past several seasons.
White, a former All-Pro and first-round pick in 2017, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, including a torn Achilles that sidelined him for much of 2023. Still, his leadership and talent made him a beloved figure in the locker room and community.
Shaq Lawson, meanwhile, returned to Buffalo in 2022 after a brief stint with the Dolphins and Jets. Known for his energy, physicality, and locker room presence, Lawson provided valuable depth on the defensive line.
“Those guys gave everything to this organization,” said GM Brandon Beane. “But at the end of the day, you have to make tough choices to stay competitive in this league.”
The Bills will save a combined $24.5 million in cap space by releasing the two veterans — a necessary move in order to accommodate Milano’s extension without mortgaging the future.Milano Anchors the Future of the Bills’ Defense
Matt Milano’s extension not only rewards one of the NFL’s elite linebackers but also ensures continuity in Buffalo’s defensive core as they look to regroup for another playoff run.
Since being drafted in the fifth round in 2017, Milano has outperformed expectations year after year. His blend of speed, instincts, and coverage ability has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, especially in defending tight ends and running backs in space.
In 2023, despite missing five games with a leg injury, Milano still finished with 89 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions, solidifying his role as the heartbeat of the Bills’ defense.
“Buffalo believed in me from the start,” Milano said in a statement released by the team. “It means the world to continue wearing this jersey, and I’m ready to chase that ring with my brothers.”
With Milano now locked in and room on the roster to explore younger talent or free agent additions, the Bills are repositioning themselves for long-term success. Though the departures of White and Lawson mark the end of an era, the message is clear: Buffalo is going all-in on its current window to win — and Matt Milano is at the center of that vision.
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