The Buffalo Bills are heading into the offseason just a move or two away from potentially securing a Super Bowl appearance. Despite coming close in recent years, they have yet to break through. Led by Josh Allen, the team boasts plenty of talent, but there are still areas that need improvement.
Ahead of NFL free agency, Buffalo made a major financial commitment by extending defensive end contract for four years at $80 million. While this move highlights how much the Bills value him, it raises the question of whether he’s worth such a hefty deal.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame gave the extension a poor grade, rating it a C-. He acknowledged Rousseau’s solid production—25 sacks and 66 quarterback hits over four seasons—but pointed out that he has never exceeded eight sacks in a season. Verderame argued that Rousseau appears to be more of a complementary pass rusher rather than the primary leader of Buffalo’s defensive front.
At just 25 years old, Rousseau still has room for growth. However, Verderame noted that his $54 million in guaranteed money ranks fifth among all defensive ends, a steep price given his current production.
In the 2024 season, Rousseau played 16 games, recording 53 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three passes defended.