Buffalo Bills picking up fifth-year option for DE Greg Rousseau

Rousseau continues to see his stock rise within the Bills’ defensive scheme

In a move widely expected since comments made by Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane at the annual league owners’ meeting earlier this spring, the team has exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Greg Rousseau’s rookie contract. Just last month, Beane had stated he saw no reason for the team not to do so — when asked about Rousseau’s first-round contract status.

The Bills selected Rousseau 30th overall in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft, and his on-field contributions tell the story of a player who’s still maturing within the system — and that his best is likely still to come as a professional. Having just turned 24, the 6’6”, 266-pound defensive end plays an important role for Buffalo’s defense. He’s someone who isn’t easily bottled into the either/or of edge rusher/defensive end. He’s instead nestled neatly between the two, a more complete defensive line player on the perimeter of the Bills’ defensive trench alignment.

The man they call “Groot” is about to enter his fourth season with the Buffalo Bills, and the hope is that working further within and continuing to learn from edge rusher Von Miller will pay dividends in the long term — and that production picks back up playing opposite Miller on most passing downs. In 2022, Rousseau and Miller tied for the team lead in sack with eight each.

Last season, with Miller still recovering following the ACL injury he suffered in 2022, the pair’s impact was stunted by a bit of a cold front. In their place it was Leonard Floyd — who signed a one-year contract last season — grabbing the lion’s share of backfield trophies while claiming the top spot in team sacks with 10.5.

Floyd is now gone, having signed with the San Francisco 49ers, so it would seem natural for Rousseau to be next in line for a return to similar production. In three seasons, Greg Rousseau has made 129 tackles (99 solo), 30 tackles for loss, 42 quarterback hits, 17 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 12 pass defenses, and one interception.

(stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference)

As for Rousseau’s fifth-year option, it means that he will remain under contract with the Bills through the 2025 NFL Season. Additionally, the Bills can still work on extending his contract after exercising his option.

The deadline for exercising fifth-year options for any of the class of 2021 is May 2. The salary for a player whose fifth year has been exercised is fully guaranteed and based on a calculation that involves some combination that includes the average of the top three-to-25 highest-paid players’ at their respective positions, plus playing time and/or Pro Bowl accolades.