Buffalo Bills player called ‘under the radar’ ahead of 2024

Gregory Rousseau seems to be receiving a little more attention lately from several media outlets, including CBSSports.com. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani 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 like he’s “under the radar” heading into the 2024 season. Rousseau was also named one of the top 25 players under 25 and is one of PFF’s top 32 rushers. Bills fans are hoping he becomes a passing 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 a season-high in diving sacks. career 12 tackles for loss and a career-high 18 QB hits Rousseau, 24, has recorded 17 sacks in 46 career games and could be poised for his best season yet.

– Jordan Dajani – CBSSports.com

What he doesn’t mention is Rousseau’s stopping ability. He has become one of the best edge rushers in terms of run defense. In 2023, he earned a PFF grade of 79.6, which ranks 11th among edge defenders and his overall grade of 87.1 is 13th best. There’s no doubt the Bills and their fans expect bigger things from Rousseau in 2024 and will be counting on him to take his pass-rushing 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 could experience his most snaps of his career, giving him more opportunities to make impact plays.

The Buffalo Bills have 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 defender and adds double-digit sacks to his resume the next season, Buffalo will almost certainly extend it. If they let him hit free agent status after his fifth year and he continues to progress, the cost could become more than they can afford.