Browns Decide Against Signing DE A.J. Epenesa

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The Cleveland Browns have decided not to sign free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa after concerns were raised following his physical with the team. Epenesa, a six-year veteran who spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, had reportedly agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Browns on March 18.

Why it matters

The Browns were looking to bolster their defensive line with the addition of Epenesa, who has been a productive player for the Bills over the past several seasons. However, the team's decision not to sign him after the physical suggests there may have been underlying medical or physical issues that gave them pause.

The details

Epenesa played in 16 regular-season games (two starts) for the Bills in 2025, recording 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. He also added two tackles in two playoff games. Buffalo selected Epenesa in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He played out the final year of his four-year rookie contract, valued at $5,866,299 with a $1,834,399 signing bonus, before returning to the Bills on a two-year, $12 million contract.

• On March 18, the Browns were reported to have agreed to sign Epenesa to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million.
• Epenesa was at the Browns' facility last Monday, per the NFL transactions wire.