The Bills are checking several items off their to-do list before free agency. After extending Khalil Shakir and Terrel Bernard, they have a deal in place with Gregory Rousseau.
Buffalo’s top pass-rusher agreed to terms on a four-year, $80M extension Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Rousseau will see $54M guaranteed. The Bills have announced the extension. This will keep a cornerstone piece in Buffalo through 2029, which coincides with the timelines Shakir’s and Bernard’s contracts created. Rousseau was going into his fifth-year option season.
Although the Bills looked to have Von Miller humming as their top pass-rusher during his 2022 season, the future Hall of Famer’s Thanksgiving ACL tear changed the equation. Miller has not closely resembled his pre-tear form, but Rousseau coming along gave the Bills vital support during that period. With Miller’s future in Buffalo uncertain, Rousseau is staying on what could be a team-friendly deal.
Rousseau’s $20M AAV checks in 13th among edge rushers. His $54M total guarantee comes in ninth. While Rousseau has yet to make a Pro Bowl roster or post a 10-sack year, he is only going into his age-25 season. The Miami product is likely only coming into his prime. It is quite possible the Bills will generate considerable value on this pact, which was agreed to after another cap spike ($24M).
In terms of rate as his position, Bernard has fared the best among the three early Bills extension recipients. James Cook is asking for a high-end running back contract, and Christian Benford will command an upper-crust CB salary. But Rousseau and Shakir did not approach the top tier at their respective positions.
Rousseau matched his career high with eight sacks last season but established a new personal standard with 24 QB hits and 16 tackles for loss. Even as Miller returned to usable form, after a woeful 2023, Rousseau remained the Bills’ D-end anchor. The team still has A.J. Epenesa signed as well and has been mentioned as a Myles Garrett suitor (in the event the Browns relent on their no-trade stance), but this extension shows faith in Rousseau.
The Bills now have both their cornerstone D-linemen on what look like favorable contracts. They inked Ed Oliver to an extension in 2023; the former first-rounder’s deal now checks in 17th among D-tackles. Rousseau opted to avoid a contract year and potential 2026 franchise tag by taking a $20M-per-year deal now. That might not have been the best value play, but it will ensure he is a long-term Buffalo cog. The $54M guarantee is not anything to scoff at, either.