Bills Confirm Greg Rousseau's Position Switch to Outside Linebacker

The former defensive end will transition to a new role in Buffalo's 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Buffalo Bills football player, number 98, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conceptually representing the transition to a new defensive scheme.The Bills' defensive overhaul will require key players like Greg Rousseau to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills have confirmed that defensive end Greg Rousseau will be switching to outside linebacker for the 2026 NFL season. The move comes as the team transitions to a new 3-4 defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, replacing the previous 4-2-5 system. Rousseau, a first-round pick in 2021, has established himself as a strong run-stopper but has had inconsistent pass-rushing production from the edge. The shift to outside linebacker will require Rousseau to take on new responsibilities, including more pass coverage, as the Bills look to maximize his talents within the new defensive framework.

Why it matters

Rousseau's position change is a significant development for the Bills' defense, as the team looks to improve its run defense while also generating more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The transition to a 3-4 scheme under Leonhard represents a major philosophical shift for the Bills, who will need key players like Rousseau to adapt successfully for the new system to work effectively.

The details

Bills general manager Brandon Beane confirmed that Rousseau will be moving from defensive end to outside linebacker in the team's new 3-4 defensive alignment. As an outside linebacker, Rousseau will be tasked with containing the edge, dropping back into coverage at times, and providing a pass-rushing presence from a slightly different alignment. The Bills are hoping Rousseau's size, strength, and instincts will translate well to the new position, even though he has not previously been asked to handle those coverage responsibilities.

  • Rousseau was drafted by the Bills in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • The Bills will be implementing their new 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard for the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Greg Rousseau

A 24-year-old defensive end who was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2021. Rousseau has established himself as a strong run-defender but has had inconsistent pass-rushing production from the edge.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, replacing Sean McDermott's previous 4-2-5 scheme with a new 3-4 defensive alignment for the 2026 season.

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, who confirmed Rousseau's position switch from defensive end to outside linebacker.

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What they’re saying

“Even though Rousseau has been more of a run-stopper coming off the edge, he still has 32 career sacks in five seasons. With now the expectation that Rousseau will be lining back off the line, it will interesting to see how he will fit the scheme.”

— Joe Buscaglia, Reporter

What’s next

The Bills will monitor Rousseau's progress as he transitions to the outside linebacker role during the team's offseason program and training camp. His ability to adapt to the new responsibilities, such as pass coverage, will be a key factor in determining how he fits into the team's new defensive scheme.

The takeaway

Rousseau's position switch highlights the significant changes the Bills are making to their defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. While Rousseau has been a productive run-defender, the team is hoping he can develop into a more well-rounded player who can excel in both run support and pass coverage from the outside linebacker spot. The success of this transition will be crucial to the overall effectiveness of the Bills' new 3-4 defensive system.