Bears Get New Edge Rusher Option After Browns' Surprising Decision

Cleveland won't sign A.J. Epenesa after concerns over his physical, opening up the former Bills player to other teams like the Bears.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an edge rusher in motion, their body broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green, conveying the raw power and dynamism of pass rushing.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the chaotic energy of an edge rusher disrupting the quarterback's pocket.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears have a new potential edge rusher option in free agency after the Cleveland Browns decided not to sign former Buffalo Bills player A.J. Epenesa. The Browns had agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with Epenesa earlier this month, but backed out after concerns arose during his physical exam. This move makes Epenesa available again, and the Bears could be interested as they look to bolster their edge rush opposite Montez Sweat.

Why it matters

The Bears have been searching for a reliable edge rusher to pair with Sweat, as their current options like Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker have question marks. Epenesa could provide more depth and upside, having recorded 6+ sacks in three of his four NFL seasons, though his production dipped to just 2.5 sacks last year. If the Bears can sign Epenesa at a reduced price due to the Browns' decision, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move to improve their pass rush.

The details

According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns had agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with Epenesa earlier this month, but ultimately decided not to sign him after concerns arose during his physical exam. The specific nature of those concerns is unclear, but teams can evaluate physicals differently. Epenesa has not missed more than 3 games in any season so far in his career, only sitting out 1 contest over the past 2 years.

  • The Browns agreed to a 1-year, $5 million deal with Epenesa earlier in March 2026.
  • The Browns decided not to sign Epenesa on March 31, 2026 after concerns arose during his physical.

The players

A.J. Epenesa

A former second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, Epenesa is a free agent edge rusher who has recorded 6+ sacks in 3 of his 4 NFL seasons so far.

Montez Sweat

The Chicago Bears' starting edge rusher, who the team is looking to pair with another reliable pass rusher.

Dayo Odeyingbo

A Bears free agent signing in 2025 who had just 1 sack in 8 games before a season-ending Achilles injury.

Austin Booker

A Bears edge rusher who stepped up in Odeyingbo's absence but is better suited as a depth piece than a starter.

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What they’re saying

“The Cleveland Browns will not be signing AJ Epenesa, with the team uncomfortable finalizing the deal after the veteran defensive end had his physical, a source told ESPN on Sunday.”

— Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

If the Bears are interested in signing Epenesa, they will likely try to do so at a reduced price compared to the Browns' initial $5 million offer, given the concerns that led Cleveland to back out of the deal.

The takeaway

This development presents the Bears with a potential low-risk, high-reward opportunity to bolster their pass rush opposite Montez Sweat. Epenesa has shown the ability to be a productive edge rusher in the past, and if the Bears can sign him at a discounted rate, it could pay dividends for their defense.