A.J. Epenesa - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Will Lions Regret Not Signing A.J. Epenesa? Free agent defensive end signs with NFC counterpart.

JUNE 10 • SI.COM

Inks deal with Philly Epenesa (undisclosed) signed with the Eagles on Wednesday.

Impact Epenesa reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Browns in late March, but Cleveland ultimately backed out of the deal following his physical. He now appears to have moved past whatever issue was uncovered, as he's been brought in by the Eagles. The 2020 second-round pick from Iowa appeared in 16 regular-season games for the Bills last year, recording 32 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, with two interceptions. Now in Philadelphia, Epenesa will likely operate as one of the team's top reserve edge rushers during the 2026 season.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Bears DL update shows Ryan Poles is eyeing a massive move The Chicago Bears brought in A.J. Epenesa for a workout, indicating that general manager Ryan Poles could be making a big move soon enough.

MAY 27 • BEARGOGGLESON.COM

The Browns could turn an underrated defender into valuable 2026 draft capital The Cleveland Browns' interest in Buffalo Bills pass rusher A.J. Epenesa suggested they may be concerned about their edge depth. They've als...

APRIL 15 • DAWGPOUNDDAILY.COM

3 pass rushers Browns should target after A.J. Epenesa deal falls through The Cleveland Browns had landed one of the top bargains of 2026 free agency. Getting an experienced edge rusher like A.J. Epenesa on a one-y...

MARCH 31 • DAWGPOUNDDAILY.COM

Bills expert says the quiet part out loud about Browns bailing on A.J. Epenesa deal Much of the pre-draft talk around the Cleveland Browns has centered upon their offensive position groups, like their revamped offensive line...

MARCH 30 • DAWGPOUNDDAILY.COM

Health concerns, remains free agent Epenesa (undisclosed) will not be signing with the Browns, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Epenesa was reportedly in agreement with Cleveland on a one-year deal, but the team wasn't comfortable finalizing the contract after his physical. It's unclear what exactly the defensive lineman is dealing with, but he did pop up on the Bills' injury report with a neck issue ahead of the team's matchup with the Broncos in the AFC divisional round, though he did ultimately play in the contest. Epenesa registered 32 total tackles (17 solo), including 2.5 sacks, while also adding four passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, and a fumble recovery over 16 regular-season contests this past year.

MARCH 30 • ROTOWIRE

Bills expert explains why Browns landed a major steal with A.J. Epenesa General manager Andrew Berry just kicked off what could be a busy second wave of 2026 free agency for the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland made a...

MARCH 19 • DAWGPOUNDDAILY.COM

Headed to Cleveland The Browns signed Epenesa to a one-year deal Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Epenesa is headed to Cleveland after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Bills. The 27-year-old will likely serve as one of the Browns' top rotational defensive ends behind Myles Garrett and Alex Wright during the 2026 campaign.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Smaller defensive role in 2025 Epenesa tallied 32 total tackles (17 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 16 regular-season games in 2025.

Impact The Iowa product saw declines in several statistical categories compared to last season, recording fewer total tackles (39 to 32), sacks (6.0 to 2.5) and forced fumbles (two to zero) while playing significantly less defensive snaps (583 to 434). Despite the reduced workload, he remained an effective rotational edge defender and tied his career high in interceptions. Set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, Epenesa will likely explore other opportunities after his role dimished in 2025. He could draw interest from teams in need of a starting-caliber edge rusher ahead of the 2026 season.

FEBRUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Reflects On His Season And Bills Moving Forward | Buffalo Bills Bills defensive end A.J Epenesa met with the media on January 18th 2026, one day after Divisional Round loss to Denver Broncos. Topics inclu...

JANUARY 18 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Past neck issue Epenesa (neck) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos.

Impact The 27-year-old from Iowa practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, but it now appears he's moved past his neck injury in time to play Saturday. Epenesa operated as one of Buffalo's top defensive ends during the regular season, recording 32 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, with two interceptions, over 16 appearances. Back at full health, he's expected to play behind Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau during the divisional-matchup in Denver.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Limited with neck injury Epenesa (neck) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Impact Epenesa has been a limited participant in practice both Tuesday and Wednesday. The 27-year-old played his usual snap count (23) in the Bills' wild-card round matchup against the Jaguars, so it's unclear when his injury occurred. The six-year pro's status heading into the AFC divisional round will likely depend on his participation in practice Thursday.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Discusses The Defense's Strong Communication And Ed Oliver's Impact On The Team Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa addressed the media on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. Topics include: Bo Nix's strengths, the defense's commu...

JANUARY 13 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Ready for Sunday's game Epenesa (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets.

Impact Epenesa popped up as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report due to an illness, but he appears to have already recovered from his ailment. A rotational defensive end, Epenesa could stand to handle an increased workload versus New York if Joey Bosa (hamstring), who is officially listed as questionable, doesn't play in Week 18.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Under the weather Epenesa (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Impact Epenesa popped up on Thursday's injury report due to an illness and wasn't able to practice. His practice participation during Friday's session should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. He's worked in a rotational role at defensive end this season, so Javon Solomon would absorb more snaps on defense in the event that Epenesa doesn't play Week 18.

JANUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

A.J. Epenesa Talks Getting Interceptions, Anime And More! | Inside the Charge | Buffalo Bills Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa and cornerback Tre'Davious White join Bills team reporter Maddy Glab on the latest episode of Inside the Ch...

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

A.J. Epenesa making late push to get another contract extension from Bills One factor that gets overlooked a lot in the month of December in the NFL is looking at which players are set to hit the open free agency ma...

DECEMBER 9, 2025 • BUFFALOWDOWN.COM

The Joe Burrow boost in Cincinnati proves short-lived as Bengals drop to 4-9

The Joe Burrow boost to Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations lasted but a week

DECEMBER 8, 2025 • Associated Press

A.J. Epenesa: "It's A Great Feeling To Come Out On Top" | Buffalo Bills Bills Defensive End A.J. Epenesa addressed the media after the Bills 39-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 7th, 2025. Topics...

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

Bills rally for 39-34 win over Bengals thanks to Josh Allen's 4 TDs, Christian Benford's pick-6

The Buffalo Bills have won their second straight, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 39-34

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • Associated Press

A.J. Epenesa intercepts the Joe Burrow pass! | Bills vs. Bengals Highlights A.J. Epenesa intercepts the Joe Burrow pass vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 12/07/2025

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • BUFFALOBILLS.COM

4 Takeaways From the Bills' Win Over the Bengals

The Bills came back to beat the Bengals in Week 14. Here's what we learned.

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

4 Takeaways From the Bills' Win Over the Bengals

Past foot injury Epenesa (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.

Impact Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that Epenesa "should be fine," after missing Thursday's practice due to a foot injury. Now fully healthy, Epenesa is likely to play an expanded role on the Bills' defensive line in Week 14, as Joey Bosa (hamstring) is in line to miss his first game of the season.

DECEMBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

DNP with foot Epenesa (foot) did not practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Epenesa was a new addition to Thursday's injury report with a foot injury he likely suffered during Wednesday's session. With the potential absence of Joey Bosa (hamstring) looming as well, Epenesa's absence will mean a significant depth issue at defensive end for the Bills. If neither player can suit up Sunday, Javon Solomon will be the lone option opposite Greg Rousseau on the edge. With such a depleted room, practice squad members Shaq Lawson, Andre Jones, and Morgan Fox are candidates for Week 14 elevation.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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The Joe Burrow boost in Cincinnati proves short-lived as Bengals drop to 4-9

Bills rally for 39-34 win over Bengals thanks to Josh Allen's 4 TDs, Christian Benford's pick-6

4 Takeaways From the Bills' Win Over the Bengals