The Buffalo Bills have made a stunning move in the NFL transfer market by officially signing defensive lineman Casey Rogers, a Syracuse native, after he was waived by the New York Giants. Rogers, 26, quickly made headlines in his NFL debut by successfully blocking a 60-yard field goal attempt by the New Orleans Saints in Week 14 of the 2024 season. This marked the first time a rookie blocked a kick in that season, cementing Rogers’ impactful entry into professional football.
Journey from Syracuse to the NFL
Casey Rogers was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, where he excelled in both football and lacrosse at Westhill High School. Initially, Rogers planned to pursue a lacrosse career at Syracuse University, where his father, Coach Lelan Rogers, served as a defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for 14 years, leading the Orange to back-to-back national championships in 2008 and 2009. However, Casey pivoted to football and embarked on his collegiate journey at the University of Nebraska (2018-2021) before transferring to Oregon (2022-2023).
The Bills have claimed DL Casey Rogers off waivers from the Giants.
Rogers was waived 24 hours ago with the Giants needing the roster space for their UDFA’s.
Rogers, who was also an UDFA last season with the Giants and appeared in two games, will get an opportunity to make the… pic.twitter.com/gt8owRed1A
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) May 9, 2025
During his college career, Rogers played in 46 games, recording 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Rogers possesses an ideal frame for a defensive lineman, complemented by agility and technique honed from his lacrosse days.
Breakthrough with the New York Giants
Undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rogers signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. He started on the practice squad before earning a promotion to the active roster and appearing in two games. The highlight of his brief stint with the Giants was his block of a 60-yard field goal attempt against the Saints, a rare feat for a rookie. Across his two appearances, Rogers played 33 defensive snaps and 9 special teams snaps, showcasing his potential in both roles.
A New Chapter with the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills’ acquisition of Rogers is part of their strategy to bolster their defensive line for the 2025 season. Rogers becomes the fifth defensive lineman added by the Bills in this transfer window, joining Larry Ogunjobi, T.J. Sanders, Deonte Walker, and Devin Brandt-Epps. This move underscores the commitment of Head Coach Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane to build a formidable defense in pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
For Rogers, joining the Bills is not just a career milestone but also a homecoming. As a Syracuse native, he will play at Highmark Stadium, just a few hours from his hometown. The passionate support of the “Bills Mafia,” the team’s famously dedicated fanbase, is expected to fuel Rogers’ drive to succeed.
Expectations and Future Prospects
Casey Rogers’ arrival at the Buffalo Bills brings an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. From an undrafted free agent to a player who made a game-changing play in his NFL debut, Rogers has proven his worth on the field. With his size, skill set, and relentless work ethic, he has the potential to become a key contributor to the Bills’ defense.
Bills fans are eagerly anticipating Rogers’ performance in the 2025 season, especially as the team plays its final games at Highmark Stadium before moving to a new venue. Can Casey Rogers replicate his standout field goal block and help propel the Bills further in their quest for a Super Bowl? The answer will unfold as the new season kicks off.