The Buffalo Bills sent Bills Mafia into a frenzy on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to nab Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku at pick No. 104. Swapping beloved but injury-plagued linebacker Matt Milano, the move reignites Josh Allen’s title hopes by replacing Von Miller’s pass-rush spark.
James Cook’s contract drama, with his $15 million demand unmet by Brandon Beane’s $12 million offer, had fueled trade speculation, amplified by his Orchard Park home sale. Beane, opting to keep Cook, turned to the defensive line, addressing a pass rush gutted by Miller’s March 2025 release.
Buffalo Bills Receive: 2025 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 104)
Los Angeles Chargers Receive: Matt Milano, 2025 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 173)
The Bills traded Milano and their No. 173 pick to secure the Chargers’ No. 104 selection. Los Angeles, seeking a versatile linebacker for Jim Harbaugh’s defense, embraced Milano’s playmaking despite his injury history, while Beane landed a rising star in Ezeiruaku to fortify Buffalo’s edge.
“Ezeiruaku’s a Day 3 steal,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “The Bills turned a tough trade into a pass-rush coup for Allen.”
Milano, a fan favorite, sparked trade buzz due to a 2023 tibia fracture and 2024 hamstring issues, missing 15 games over two seasons. Ezeiruaku’s 14 sacks and 90.5 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024 position him to match Miller’s 6 sacks, starting alongside Greg Rousseau to counter Joey Bosa’s injury risks and Michael Hoecht’s six-game suspension.
With $5.3 million in cap space, the Bills save $7.5 million by trading Milano’s $12.1 million cap hit, retaining picks No. 132 and 169 for a receiver like Tai Felton. Beane’s offseason haul—Justin Simmons, Tre’Davious White, Treylon Burks—gains a dynamic edge, rivaling the Chiefs’ viral Pacheco trade.
“We’re all-in for Allen,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “Ezeiruaku’s speed reshapes our defense to crush the Chiefs.”
As Round 4 closes, Milano’s exit stings, but Ezeiruaku’s arrival fuels the Bills’ championship drive. Buffalo’s bold trade echoes the NFL’s Day 1 Travis Hunter frenzy, setting the stage for a title run.
