For the first time in nearly a decade, the Buffalo Bills’ defense will be operated under a new defensive scheme. When Sean McDermott was in charge, the Bills were known for running a 4-2-5 with an emphasis on defending the pass. Buffalo’s pass-defense was never a major issue, but the run-defense was always a problem.
With Joe Brady replacing McDermott as the head coach, fans should expect to see a brand new defense with Jim Leonhard as the defense will switch to a 3-4. As the switch will take place, fans were wondering if it would affect any current player who is a starter on the defense.
When the Bills drafted Greg Rousseau back in 2021, the goal was to have him become a franchise edge rusher and become the missing piece that Buffalo was lacking on that side of the ball. Rousseau has established himself as a great run-stuffer, but his ability to provide a consistent pass rush has been inconsistent.
With Leonhard now coming into the picture, fans have been wondering if Rousseau would continue to be on the edge or if he would line up somewhere else. According to Joe Buscaglia from The Athletic (subscription may be required), Brandon Beane confirmed that Rousseau will be playing outside linebacker heading into the 2026 season.
Greg Rousseau will switch to OLB from DE for Bills defense
Even though Rousseau has been more of a run-stopper coming off the edge, he still has 32 career sacks in five seasons. With now the expectation that Rousseau will be lining back off the line, it will interesting to see how he will fit the scheme.
When you think about the outside linebacker position, players have to be able to contain the outside and also drop back into a little bit of coverage. Rousseau was not someone who would drop back off the line. How he will make this transition is something that fans should be paying attention to.
Now that Rousseau will be switching to outside linebacker, this signals that Buffalo will have to be even more intentional with how they address the edge rusher spot. Since Buffalo will only have three players in the trenches, they are going to need someone who can provide pressure from coming off the ground.
While we may see Rousseau creep up to the line from time to time, playing outside linebacker means a new game for him and fans are hoping that it’s the right decision.
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