Gregory Rousseau seems to be getting a little extra attention lately from several media outlets, including CBSSports.com. Jordan Dajani with CBS Sports recently named his "under-the-radar" players for each team, and Gregory Rousseau is that player for the Bills. With the way people are talking about him, it doesn't seem he's "under the radar" heading into the 2024 season. Rousseau was also named one of the top 25 players under 25 and made PFF's top 32 edge rushers. Bills fans are hopeful he will become a pass-rushing force this season. Here is what Dajani said about Rousseau.
"The Bills picked up the fifth-year option on Greg Rousseau's contract this offseason - keeping the former first-round pick in Buffalo for the next two years. In 2023, he recorded dive sacks, a career-high 12 tackles for loss and a career-high 18 QB hits. The 24-year-old Rousseau has recorded 17 sacks in 46 career games and could be primed for his best season yet."Jordan Dajani - CBSSports.com
What he doesn't mention is Rousseau's run-stopping ability. He has become one of the top edge rushers in terms of run defense. In 2023, he earned a PFF run grade of 79.6, which ranked 11th among edge defenders and his overall grade of 87.1 is the 13th-best. There is no question the Bills and their fans are expecting bigger things from Rousseau in 2024 and will counting on him to take his pass rush skills to another level. If he does that, he will be a force on the Bills defensive line. With Leonard Floyd out of the picture, and Von Miller still a question mark, Rousseau may see his highest snap count of his career, giving him more opportunities to make impact plays.
Should the Buffalo Bills consider Greg Rousseau for a contract extension after 2024?
The Buffalo Bills already picked up Rousseau's fifth-year option, and he will be eligible for a contract extension after the 2024 season. If he continues to be a dominant run defender and adds double-digit sacks to his resume next season, Buffalo will almost certainly extend him. If they were to let him get to free agency after his fifth year, and he continues to ascend, the cost could become more than they can afford.