Browns Back Out of Deal with Former Bills Edge Rusher AJ Epenesa

Could Epenesa return to Buffalo after failed physical with Cleveland?

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements of a football player in the style of Pablo Picasso, using the Buffalo Bills' team colors.The unpredictable nature of free agency is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration of a Bills pass rusher's movements.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have decided to back out of their deal with free agent edge rusher AJ Epenesa after he failed his physical with the team. This means Epenesa is now back on the open market, raising the possibility that he could return to the Buffalo Bills, his former team.

Why it matters

The Bills could use additional depth on the edge of their defensive line, and Epenesa proved to be a valuable rotational player for them last season. His return would bolster their pass rush and provide more flexibility in their defensive line rotation.

The details

Epenesa had agreed to a $5 million deal with the Browns a couple of weeks ago, but the team backed out of the contract after he failed his physical. This is the second high-profile deal that has fallen through in the NFL recently due to issues with a player's physical, the other being the Ravens' trade for Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Now Epenesa is back on the market, and the Bills could look to bring him back at a lower price point than the $6 million he made with them last season.

  • A couple of weeks ago, Epenesa agreed to a $5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns.
  • The Browns have now decided to back out of that deal after Epenesa failed his physical with the team.

The players

AJ Epenesa

A former second-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills, Epenesa has spent the last two seasons as a rotational edge rusher for the team.

Greg Rousseau

The Bills' first-round pick in 2021, Rousseau is expected to be one of the team's starting edge rushers in 2023.

Bradley Chubb

The Bills acquired Chubb in a trade with the Broncos last season, and he will likely start opposite Rousseau on the defensive line.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now, Bills fans are wondering if there's a chance he might come back to Buffalo.”

— Brett Alan, Author

What’s next

The Bills will likely monitor Epenesa's free agent status and could look to bring him back at a lower price point than his previous $6 million salary.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the unpredictability of free agency and the importance of players passing physicals. It also presents an opportunity for the Bills to potentially bring back a familiar face and add depth to their defensive line rotation.