The Buffalo Bills have one of the league’s most loaded rosters, and it’s a big reason why they are the current favorites to win the Super Bowl. On top of the NFL MVP, their defense has a lot of young talent that is ready for stardom. Brandon Beane and the front office knew that going into the offseason, and that’s why they tried to lock up as many as possible to long-term deals.
One such player is Gregory Rousseau, a first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. Rousseau had a career-high 24 quarterback hits and really blossomed into a star pass rusher. However, his sack totals remain relatively low considering his pressure rate and QB hits, and that could be a reason he isn’t getting more national attention. But everything is setting up for Rousseau to have a truly dominant season in 2025.
Rousseau will be Buffalo’s next Pro Bowl defender
It’s not going to take much more for Rousseau to make his first Pro Bowl during the 2025 season, as he has steadily progressed in each of the first four seasons of his career. He has improved his QB hits and tackle for a loss numbers in every season and has become a much more well-rounded player.
In a recent article by Kevin Patra of NFL.com, he named Rousseau as Buffalo’s most likely new Pro Bowl player during the upcoming season. Here is a short snippet of why he believes Rousseau will make the Pro Bowl during the 2025 season:
"Rousseau could pay off the $20 million-per-year contract extension he signed in March with his first Pro Bowl nod. Last season, the Miami product matched a career high with eight sacks while continuing to show improved pass-rush skills. According to Next Gen Stats, he's upped his total QB pressures every year, going from 27 in 2021 to 32 in 2022, 47 in 2023 and 59 last year. His 13.8% pressure rate also marked a career high."Kevin Patra, NFL.com
Another reason why Patra is so optimistic regarding Rousseau is the addition of Joey Bosa. While injuries and durability are concerns for Bosa, he is still one of the league’s most effective pass rushers and should free up more one-on-one opportunities for Rousseau. That just didn’t happen enough with Von Miller, who was way past his prime and who also struggled to stay on the field.
Rousseau just turned 25 and is still growing into his massive frame. But with all of the additions the Bills have made on the defensive line and in the secondary, it should free up the former Miami Hurricane to have a huge breakout season.
If Buffalo is really going to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl, they need Rousseau to become an All-Pro caliber defender who can take over games. And it sure seems like he is ready to do so.