Recruiting a local edge rusher should become a priority for the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills appear to have found a building block for their defensive front by signing Greg Rousseau in 2021.

The physically gifted defensive end was arguably the team’s most productive player last season. Heading into Year 4, the Bills have already exercised the fifth-year option on the former first-round pick’s rookie contract.

The next step is likely a long-term deal that would keep Rousseau in Buffalo well beyond the 2025 season, according to a report. Focus on professional football analyst who identified one personnel move every AFC team should make before training camp.

PFF’s Thomas Valentine suggests the Bills go with the 6-foot-6 pass rusher who can also move to an interior position and has adequate run-stopping ability. Rousseau made 46 starts for Buffalo, including all 17 regular-season games as a rookie in 2021.

From PFF One move every AFC team should make before training camp:

“Rousseau hasn’t shone with raw sack numbers since entering the NFL, totaling just 17 in three seasons with the Bills, but his overall performance in 2023 should have left management pleased with his abilities going forward. Rousseau earned a stellar 85.6 overall PFF grade in 2023, and his 55 pressures were a career high. … . “

With his size and power, Rousseau has been a problem for opposing passers. He has 42 quarterback hits, 11 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one interception. In 2023, he has 18 quarterback hits and nine tackles for loss on running plays.

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It’s a good deal to secure local talent like Rousseau, and the Bills have shown a willingness to do so with a high percentage of their hits in the draft. Linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle Ed Oliver are prime examples.

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