LB Matt Milano, Bills agree to four-year, $44 million extension

The Buffalo Bills recently made several moves, including the releases of wide receiver John Brown and defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson, to create needed salary-cap space. 

Buffalo has now spent some of that cash. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Marcel Louis-Jacques) reports that starting linebacker Matt Milano has agreed to a four-year extension to remain with the Bills. The deal is worth $44 million and includes $24 million in guaranteed money. 

According to the Around the NFL staff, the 26-year-old gave Buffalo a hometown discount to the tune of $2 million per season to stay put. 

Milano joined the Bills via a fifth-round draft pick in 2017 and has become an integral part of a championship-caliber defense. Hamstring and pectoral injuries cost him six games last season, and the Bills weren't the same without his services. Per Louis-Jacques, Buffalo's only regular-season defeats came during Milano's absences. 

Milano ended the campaign with 45 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception. 

Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus had Milano ranked No. 38 among players set to hit free agency when the new NFL year opens next Wednesday. PFF predicted he would sign a four-year deal worth $45 million with $20 million in total guaranteed cash and $15 million fully guaranteed at signing.