A.J. Epenesa: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, abruptly retired at age 27. The outside linebacker signed a one-year free agent deal in March with the Philadelphia Eagles, who put him on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday.

Philadelphia Eagles News / A to Z Sports / June 13

Eagles make intriguing roster decision in low-risk move to bolster edge depth, and it’s a smart process

Philly signed former Buffalo Bills edge defender A.J. Epenesa, and it’s a strong option at this point of the offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles signed former Buffalo Bills edge defender A.J.

Miami Dolphins News / A to Z Sports / June 11

The Miami Dolphins will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements on the edge after one of their spring visits lands elsewhere

If the Miami Dolphins were serious about reinforcements to their edge room, they’ll need to find another candidate to fill a spot. The Miami Dolphins appeared to be kicking the tires on a different skill set to add to their edge defender room ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Chicago Bears News / A to Z Sports / June 11

NFC contender swiped a free agent edge rusher off of the Bears’ short-list as Chicago continues evaluating in-house talent

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent pass rusher A.J. Epenesa on Wednesday, who previously worked out with the Chicago Bears earlier in the offseason crossing one name of the team’s short-list The biggest complaint about the Chicago Bears’ offseason centered around the team’s lack of investments off the edge.

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NFL News / Field Level Media / June 10

Eagles sign DE A.J. Epenesa after deal with Browns falls through

The Philadelphia Eagles signed A.J. Epenesa on Wednesday after the former Buffalo Bills defensive end failed a physical with the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles did not announce terms of the contract with Epenesa, who in March agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with Cleveland, according to reports.

NFL News / Pro Football Rumors / June 10

Eagles Sign DE A.J. Epenesa, Michael Jordan

Several weeks after A.J. Epenesa‘s Browns deal fell through, the veteran edge rusher has found a new home. The Eagles signed the former second-round pick, per a team announcement.

NFL News / NFLTradeRumors.co / June 10

Eagles Sign DE A.J. Epenesa

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday that they’ve signed veteran OLB A.J. Epenesa to an undisclosed contract. Epenesa visited multiple teams as a free agent in recent months including the Bears and Dolphins. Epenesa, 27, is a former second-round pick of the Bills back in 2020.

Chicago Bears News / Chicago Bears on SI / May 28

Bears' AJ Epenesa Workout Suggests Chicago Still Doesn't Trust Its Edge Plan

The overwhelming expectation going into this offseason was that the Chicago Bears would make a significant addition to their edge rusher room. But after the first wave of free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears have yet to make any moves, which is perplexing when you consider just how shaky things are opposite Montez Sweat.

NFL News / Field Level Media / May 27

Report: Bears worked out veteran DE A.J. Epenesa

Defensive end A.J. Epenesa worked out for the Bears last week, the Chicago Tribune reported on Wednesday. The 27-year-old free agent's deal with the Cleveland Browns fell through in March following a failed physical.

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NFL News / Pro Football Rumors / May 27

Bears Host DE A.J. Epenesa

The Bears have not made any notable defensive end acquisitions this offseason, but they are “keeping tabs on potential options,” according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

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Chicago Bears News / A to Z Sports / May 27

Bears insider reveals Chicago had an under-the-radar visit with a top free agent rusher – what it really means for the team

Chicago Bears insider Brad Biggs revealed the team brought in free agent pass rusher A.J. Epenesa for a workout last week as the team considers finally making an addition at defensive end going into the 2026 season.

NFL News / New England Patriots on SI / May 25

One Free Agent Who Can Still Fix Patriots' Issues At Edge

Free agent and veteran defensive end A.J. Epenesa is still available and could be a natural fit for the New England Patriots for this season. Needs at edge rusher, especially for depth pieces, is going to remain an issue for the team this year, and bringing in a proven face could help.

Green Bay Packers News / A to Z Sports / May 18

Packers linked to intriguing free agent at premium position who could fix lingering concern left after first wave and the draft

Edge defender AJ Epenesa left the Bills and signed with the Browns, but failed his physical and is still available on the market. The Green Bay Packers did what they could to solve roster issues this offseason.

NFL News / Buffalo Bills on SI / May 11

Bills Sign EDGE Mike Danna Which Potentially Seals A.J. Epenesa’s Fate

The Buffalo Bills are one week away from beginning their 2026 OTAs and decided to add another veteran defender to the mix as they prepare for the new season.

NFL News / Pro Football Rumors / April 16

DE A.J. Epenesa Visits Dolphins

Free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa temporarily came off the market when he agreed to sign with the Browns on March 18. Eleven days later, the Browns called off the one-year, $5MM deal as a result of a failed physical.

NFL News / NFLTradeRumors.co / April 16

Dolphins Hosted DE A.J. Epenesa For Visit

The Miami Dolphins hosted DE A.J. Epenesa for a visit on Thursday, per the NFL transaction wire. He was set to sign with the Browns at one point earlier this spring but an issue with his physical scuttled the deal. The Browns had agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with Epenesa based on reports.

NFL News / Seattle Seahawks on SI / March 30

Seahawks Should Look Into Signing AJ Epenesa After Browns Debacle

The start of NFL Free Agency was a fast and desperate time for most teams in the league. For teams like the Seattle Seahawks, the focus is on retaining their own players rather than trying to acquire as much star talent as possible.

Cleveland Browns News / Field Level Media / March 30

Report: Browns decide against signing DE A.J. Epenesa

The Cleveland Browns are not signing free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa after concerns following his physical, ESPN reported on Sunday night. The Browns were reported on March 18, per ESPN, to have agreed to sign the six-year veteran to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.

Cleveland Browns News / Yardbarker / March 29

A.J. Epenesa returns to free-agent market after failed physical

The Cleveland Browns agreed to terms with defensive end A.J. Epenesa on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, and everything pointed toward a clean offseason addition.

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Cleveland Browns News / Pro Football Rumors / March 29

Browns’ Deal For DE A.J. Epenesa Falls Through After Physical Concerns

The AFC North is becoming a tough division to get in to. In the wake of the Ravens-Maxx Crosby reversed trade, the Browns have decided not to sign former Bills defensive end A.J.

Cleveland Browns News / Cleveland Browns on SI / March 22

Why A.J. Epenesa Will Break Out With Cleveland Browns in 2026

It’s been a productive offseason for Cleveland so far as they try to make roster improvements while balancing a tight salary cap restraint. Most of the attention has gone to the offensive line and the big moves made there.

Buffalo Bills News / Buffalo Bills on SI / March 18

Former Bills 2nd-Round Pick A.J. Epenesa Lands With Browns in Free Agency

The Buffalo Bills will say goodbye to a key member of their defensive line. According to Adam Schefter, veteran defensive end A.J. Epenesa is signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Buffalo Bills News / Buffalo Bills on SI / August 7, 2025

Bills' A.J. Epenesa steals 'Hard Knocks' spotlight by snatching 11-foot reptile

Of all the highlights in the first Buffalo Bills' Hard Knocks episode, one stood out. Or should we say, slithered out. A star was born in A.J. Epenesa ...

Buffalo Bills News / Buffalo Bills on SI / September 28, 2024

AJ Epenesa simplifies matchup vs. Ravens as Bills aim to exploit weakness

The Buffalo Bills won big on the scoreboard the last two weeks while also winning big in the trenches. When the Bills visit the Baltimore Ravens, and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson on Sunday Night Football, the battles up front will ultimately determine which side secures a victory.

Buffalo Bills News / Pro Football Rumors / March 11, 2024

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Buffalo Bills News / Buffalo Bills on SI / December 14, 2023

Bills Coach Reveals Habits Behind A.J. Epenesa's Big Plays

Throughout a season that has left the Buffalo Bills’ defense badly beleaguered by injuries, it has been the role players that have stepped up and kept the defense afloat—as much as a unit can while losing arguably its three best players.