Bills' New Edge Rusher Thrilled With Old Role

Bills’ New Edge Rusher Thrilled With Old Role originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When Joey Bosa first came to the NFL, he came out as a pure edge rusher who could be a force on any defense in the league. The third overall pick for the Los Angeles Chargers, Bosa has become a consistent Pro Bowl star.

After several years of injuries, though, Bosa signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. The deal has a bigger reason than just the lucrative contract.

In Los Angeles, Bosa moved from defensive end to pure edge rusher once the Chargers transitioned from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 unit. Over the years, the expectations surrounding Bosa have also changed.

This offseason, the Ohio State product is back in a familiar defense and with a familiar

Bosa will return in a familiar 4-3 scheme, which he played in during his time at Ohio State and early in his career with the Chargers. More importantly, he’ll be able to have a clear goal in mind as well.

“It’s exciting for me, no more outside linebacker. I’m ready to get my hand back in the dirt, get back to the six technique, and rush the passer,” Bosa said at minicamp.

There is a difference between edge rushers in defenses focusing solely on rushing the passer and units requiring more from that position. When an edge rusher has more responsibilities than pass rushing, they tend to have fewer sack numbers.

That could explain Bosa’s drop in recent years (outside of clear injury problems).

It’s also why he can be considered a perfect fit for Sean McDermott’s defense in Buffalo.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.

Bills’ New Edge Rusher Thrilled With Old Role

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