Bills' Greg Rousseau Predicted To Have Career Year In 2026

I have a prediction for the Buffalo Bills this year: Greg Rousseau is going to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.

I know, so bold, right? But when you think about it, it's bolder than you may have realized, considering the fact that Rousseau has never recorded more than eight sacks in a season. But after watching how Buffalo's defense is being reshaped under Jim Leonhard, I think this could finally be the year Rousseau makes that jump into an elite pass rusher.

Rousseau has been one of the Bills' more consistent pass rushers since entering the league. He has recorded at least four sacks in each of his five seasons, including eight sacks in both 2022 and 2024. The production has been there, but he hasn't quite been able to turn it into the kind of season that puts him among the league's top pass rushers.

That could change with Leonhard running the defense.

Buffalo has made the move to a 3-4 base defense. With that, Rousseau goes from playing with his hand in the ground as a defensive end to standing up more as an outside linebacker. The new scheme should give Leonhard more opportunities to move his pass rushers around and create favorable matchups, which could be especially useful for someone with Rousseau's size and length.

Then there's Bradley Chubb.

The Bills added Chubb in free agency to give the defense another legitimate threat off the edge. Having another proven pass rusher alongside Rousseau could make it more difficult for opposing offenses to consistently dedicate extra attention to him. If Chubb can stay healthy and provide the pressure Buffalo expects, Rousseau should have more opportunities to win one-on-one matchups.

That's ultimately why I'm making this prediction.

Rousseau doesn't need to suddenly become one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers. He needs to turn some of the pressures and opportunities he's already been generating into sacks. Getting from eight to 10 or 11 isn't an enormous statistical leap, especially if the team's new structure creates more chances for him to attack quarterbacks.

The Bills have been looking for more consistent production from their pass rush for years, especially come late in the season and in the playoffs, and Rousseau is one of the players who could provide it. If he takes advantage of his opportunities, stays healthy, and fits naturally into Leonhard's defense, I think he finally clears the barrier that has eluded him throughout his career.

Final Prediction: Greg Rousseasu with at least 11.5 sacks.