Bills' free agent acquisition has been 'clutch' addition to defense

Buffalo's pass rush has benefitted from the former LA Charger, especially in late-game scenarios

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass under pressure from Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Joey Bosa has been an instant-impact free agent addition for the Buffalo Bills this season, with PFF's ranking of "clutch players" further emphasizing his importance to Buffalo's defense.

The former Charger has logged four sacks, 39 pressures, and four forced fumbles this season, with an 89.8 pass rush grade from PFF through 11 games. An underlying aspect of his production is how much has come in crucial situations, specifically the fourth quarter and two-minute drill.

MORE: Bills can save season with win over Steelers according to playoff model

Bosa ranks second among all defenders in PFF grade in the fourth quarter, trailing only Defensive Player of the Year favorite Myles Garrett. According to PFF's Bradley Locker, "His 92.3 PFF pass-rush grade in the fourth quarter is the third-best among any player, with his 26.5% pressure rate the second-highest."

Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa pressures New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler into throwing a pass out of bounds during second half action of the Bills home game against the New Orleans Saints in Orchard Park on Sept. 28, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Garrett (94.2) and Bosa (92.1) are atop the rankings, Aidan Hutchinson (91.9), Ronnie Hickman (91.6), and George Karlaftis (91.4) round out the top five grades.

RELATED: Brandin Cooks signing could force another veteran WR off Bills' roster

Bosa also ranks fourth in grading in two-minute drill situations, recording a league-high 15 pressures in that time frame. His 90.4 grade trails only Bryce Huff (91.8), Karlaftis (90.8), and Derwin James (90.7), and ranks ahead of Kool-Aid McKinstry (90.0) among the top five.

With Michael Hoecht and Landon Jackson out for the rest of the season, the Bills are thin at defensive end. Buffalo will continue to rely on Bosa to lead the pass rush, hoping assisting contributions from Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa are enough to disrupt the opposing passing game.

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is sacked by. Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Bills open backup's activation window after RT Spencer Brown injures shoulder

• What ever happened to injured NFL referee forced to leave Bills' TNF loss to Texans?

• Sloppiness from disappointing 4x Pro Bowl left tackle takes toll on slumping Bills

• Is Josh Allen amongst seven current Bills' players in Hallmark movie cast?