Is this the year that Buffalo Bills' former first-round pick Gregory Rousseau finally breaks out as a top edge rusher?
That's what the Bills are expecting after paying him to be one of the top players at his position in 2025 and beyond.
Rousseau has recorded 25 sacks in four seasons with the team and is expected to be Buffalo's top defensive lineman going into the new season. He has recorded eight sacks in two of the last three seasons in the league.
That star skill set is there. It's time to put it all together.
Pro Football Focus contributor Ryan Smith believes that a breakout is coming. In a ranking of the NFL's top 32 edge rushers, Rousseau found himself placed at 14th on the list.
"Rousseau earned an 82.2 PFF grade in 2024, marking his third consecutive season with a grade of 80.0 or higher." Smith said. "In addition to matching his career high in the regular season, Smith also highlights Groot's two playoff sacks, calling 2024, "his most productive campaign to date."
Buffalo has added plenty of reinforcements along the defensive line to help Rousseau at this point. High draft picks and important signings are all expected to make immediate impacts.
With Joey Bosa now expected to miss OTAs with a calf injury, though, the Bills are going to rely on Rousseau even more than before.
This is a bad way for it to have to happen ... but we bet the Miami product Rousseau, grades notwithstanding, is more than up to the challenge.