Bills Lock Up DE Greg Rousseau with Four-Year, $80 Million Extension

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The Buffalo Bills are keeping one of their top defensive playmakers in town for the long haul.

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On Saturday, the team agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract extension with defensive end Greg Rousseau, including $54 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

A 2021 first-round pick, Rousseau was set to play on his fifth-year option, but the new deal ensures he remains with the Bills through the 2029 season. The extension follows a recent trend for Buffalo, who have also locked up wide receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard with deals running through 2029.

Since entering the league, Rousseau has developed into a key defensive force. In four seasons, he has recorded 25 sacks, 15 passes defensed, and 66 quarterback hits. His 53 pressures last season ranked fourth in the NFL, and he was one of only seven players to post both a 25% run-stop win rate and a 15% pass-rush win rate (minimum 400 pass rushes).

Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed confidence in Rousseau’s continued growth.

“I thought Greg did a nice job, had some good games for us, still showed some ascension,” Beane said at the NFL Combine. “I don’t think he’s necessarily peaked out or anything. I think Greg needs to continue to take another step. We would like to see Greg be a double-digit sack player.”

Fans have had mixed reactions to the deal

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Rousseau has led the Bills in quarterback hits, sacks, and batted passes since 2021. Coming off a career-best 24 QB hits and tying his personal best with eight sacks last season, the 25-year-old remains a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense.

With free agency approaching, the Bills are also looking at potential extensions for key players, including running back James Cook and cornerback Christian Benford. The team is working to get under the salary cap before the start of the new league year on Wednesday, but securing Rousseau’s future was clearly a top priority.