The Dallas Cowboys have worked aggressively this offseason to bolster their defense through free agency and the draft, yet questions remain about depth at several positions—most notably linebacker. While the team continues to evaluate its current roster, one name emerging as a potential veteran target is former Buffalo Bills standout Matt Milano.

As highlighted in recent discussion by Eric Chiofalo of “The Love of The Star” podcast, Milano represents an intriguing, if high-risk, option to strengthen the Cowboys’ pass defense. Known primarily as a coverage specialist, the All-Pro linebacker could provide valuable experience and skill set to a unit still looking for answers.

A Proven Talent with a Troubling Injury Track Record

Milano earned All-Pro honors in 2022 and has long been regarded as one of the league’s more instinctive and effective coverage linebackers. However, injuries have severely limited his availability in recent seasons. Since his standout 2022 campaign, Milano has appeared in just 21 games. His injury list includes a serious broken leg, a torn pectoral muscle, and a torn biceps—issues that have turned the once-reliable defender into something of an “injury bomb” heading into the next chapter of his career.

Despite those red flags, the Cowboys’ interest signals a calculated willingness to bet on talent when the price and timing align. Dallas has shown a pattern of patience in the veteran market, preferring to let training camp battles play out before making targeted additions.

The Cowboys’ Late-Addition Strategy

This approach is nothing new for the Cowboys. Every year, they leave room for mid- or late-camp signings once they have a clearer picture of their roster’s strengths and weaknesses. The strategy has produced mixed results: Jadeveon Clowney proved to be a solid pickup last year, while the Dalvin Cook experiment in 2024 did not yield the desired impact.

In Milano’s case, a signing is unlikely to materialize in the immediate future—especially given his medical history. Instead, the Cowboys are expected to monitor his situation through the spring and summer, potentially circling back in July or August once they evaluate their young linebackers and undrafted free agents in training camp.

Even after drafting talent and acquiring Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker depth remains a concern. Other names continue to generate buzz, including a dream trade scenario involving Miami’s Jordyn Brooks and veteran leadership possibilities with players like Bobby Wagner. Milano would slot in as a more specialized coverage addition rather than a every-down anchor.

Calculated Risk in a Competitive Window

For Dallas, adding Milano would be a classic “high-upside, low-commitment” move if structured appropriately—likely a short-term deal that allows the team to cut ties quickly if the injuries resurface. The Cowboys are betting they can get the best version of a still-effective coverage linebacker without sacrificing roster flexibility early in the process.

As Chiofalo noted, these veteran additions often come once coaches see their young players in pads and identify specific needs. Whether Milano ultimately lands in Dallas remains uncertain, but the mere speculation underscores the Cowboys’ ongoing search for defensive reinforcements and their willingness to roll the dice on proven talent, even when that talent comes with a significant injury asterisk.

Training camp will tell the full story. Until then, Milano remains a name to watch as the Cowboys carefully manage their final roster spots.