Former Jets villain could provide valuable depth at biggest weakness on defense

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets did a good job of addressing some of their biggest needs, including pass catcher and edge.

They didn't add a single wide receiver throughout the offseason until they drafted Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. at the back end of the first round. The Jets even added a tight end in Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, who will essentially be a big-bodied wide receiver for New York.

At edge, the Jets needed a star, and they're hopefully getting one in No. 2 overall pick, David Bailey. College football's sack leader should give New York's pass rush a boost.

But one position the Jets didn't address in the draft is linebacker, and that's arguably the thinnest area of the roster. Are there any free agents out there who could help New York in 2026?

Jets could target former Bills LB Matt Milano as veteran depth

A former Jets villain, Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano, is still available as a free agent. Considering New York's lack of depth behind Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood, should the Jets check in on his market?

The short answer is yes. Outside of Davis and Sherwood, the Jets would be relying on Francisco Mauigoa, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, and Mykal Walker in the event of injury. Those three guys are okay depth, but it would be a disaster if they were thrust into a starting role.

Enter Milano, who could provide the Jets with valuable veteran leadership and some extra quality depth at linebacker.

In 2025, Milano played pretty poorly in Buffalo. He was Pro Football Focus's 79th-best linebacker out of 88 qualified players. He wasn't a great run or pass defender, but one thing he can still do is get after the quarterback.

His pass-rush grade of 70.0 ranked 26th among qualified linebackers last year, per PFF, and could add a versatile chess piece to the Jets' linebacker core.

Jets fans likely remember when Milano practically sawed Mike White in half during a game late in the 2022 season, breaking White's ribs and forcing Zach Wilson back into the lineup. Maybe Milano can bring some of that intensity with him to New York.

Spotrac expects Milano to land a one-year $4.6 million deal on the open market, something the Jets could certainly afford with their current cap situation.

It doesn't have to be Milano, but one thing is for sure. The Jets need more depth at linebacker, and they should sign a veteran before they get into training camp.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow