This Bengals rival could give Cincinnati a talented starter before training camp

In recent years, the AFC has been the scene of some of the fiercest, most intriguing and most non-divisional rivalries, particularly between quarterbacks. The Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow have found themselves in heated rivalries, most notably between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs.

One of those rivals, however, could soon be the reason the Bengals might take a chance on a former All Pro.

Bleacher Report Alex Kay seems to think the Bills could release starting linebacker Matt Milano before the end of the season. If that’s the case, the Bengals should jump on it, no pun intended.

Kay had this, among other information, to say about the potential reduction:

“Released Milan would save Buffalo nearly $10 million this year, a nice amount for a team that ranks in the bottom quarter of the league in cap space with just over $8 million available at this point.

If Milano is released, many teams in need of an elite linebacker should tap him. He’s consistently ranked among the NFL’s best at his position in recent years, particularly in coverage, and could return to full strength after a serious injury.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Bills selected linebacker Terrel Bernard from Baylor. Last year, they drafted Dorian Williams from Tulane. It seems like Buffalo could already have enough young talent to complete its overhaul at the position, should it choose to do so.

The main question fans might have about a possible Milano signing is: where would he play? The Bengals have Logan Wilson at inside linebacker and Germaine Pratt on the outside. Wilson would likely remain the starter, but could Milano play outside in place of Pratt?

Milano is a significant upgrade in both coverage and pass rush, and he’s been one of the league’s best coverage linebackers for a few years now. If he returns to full health after the injury he suffered last year, Milano could change the face of this Bengals defense.

But let’s be perfectly clear. The Bills should absolutely not release Milano because even if he were to return to even partial fitness, say 80 percent, he would still be one of the best linebackers in football.

Does Buffalo really want to risk having a rival like the Bengals come calling when Milano gets his walking papers?