The Detroit Lions may have avoided a catastrophe with Jack Campbell, but that doesn't mean he'll be back on the field any time soon. There's still no official word on his return, but it's hard to believe he'll play again this season.
The Lions added K.J. Britt to the mix, and while that should give them another body to throw at there in the second level of the defense, he has some big shoes to fill. It's unlikely he can make up for Campbell's stellar production.
Considering that, the Lions may have to think outside the box to find some help. Since they didn't do anything at the trade deadline, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton believes they could emerge as a potential suitor for Matt Milano.
The Detroit Lions should consider signing Matt Milano
"Milano's contract expired at the end of the 2025 term, and he hasn't resurfaced with another team. Eight months out of action, the 32-year-old may be healthy enough to contribute in a rotational role," Moton wrote.
Truth be told, there's nothing to lose here. Even if he doesn't play at his former All-Pro level, he would still be an upgrade over Britt, not to mention a proven veteran with extensive experience, a leader, a vocal presence, and a defensive quarterback at the second level.
Milano used to be a much better pass rusher than the average linebacker, and his ability to put pressure at the line of scrimmage would be most welcome here. Kelvin Sheppard's defense could use an elite communicator like him.
Granted, durability will always be a concern, and availability is the best of abilities. Nevertheless, it's not like the Lions need him to be Jack Campbell 2.0; whatever he can still give the team at this point in his career would be a boost. It would essentially be playing with house money.
The Lions managed to weather the storm. They deserve a ton of credit for shaking off the early-season woes, shutting down the outside noise, and making the necessary adjustments to get better on defense.
Nevertheless, it would be a shame to watch this team's promising season go to waste because of their inaction. The trade deadline might be in the record books, but that doesn't mean they can figure out how to get better ahead of the second half of the regular season.
Milano might be on his last leg, but what's the worst that could happen? They should get him in the building and work him out to see if he's still in game shape. If that's the case, get him on the practice squad for a week or two, and give him a chance to prove that he's still got something left in the tank.
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