Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry gave his roster a good lookover at the conclusion of the 2025 season and decided the pass rusher aspect of the defensive line needed a spark. So, he inked A.J. Epenesa away from the Buffalo Bills during free agency.
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Berry had reportedly agreed to sign Epenesa to a one-year $5 million agreement on March 18 during the second wave in free agency. He was expected to add quality depth after the franchise lost DE Cameron Thomas
to the Atlanta Falcons.
Epenesa has played six years in the NFL and was a second-round draft pick of the Bills in the 2020 NFL draft. His forte is being a pass rusher. Last year, he had only 2.5 sacks in 16 games played, but from 2022-2024, he had 19 combined sacks and 31 QB hits. After the announced signing, he was listed on Cleveland’s depth chart as the backup to Myles Garrett. Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire man the defensive end spot opposite Garrett.
On Sunday, the Browns decided to rescind the contract due to issues with the player when he visited the Berea facility and concerns after he took his physical, a source informed ESPN. Similar, but on a much smaller level, to the Baltimore Ravens rescinding their trade for DE Maxx Crosby.
Currently listed on the roster as candidates to back up Garrett are Julian Okwara and possibly Sam Kamara, both of whom re-signed during free agency.
The Browns are expected to select at least one pass rusher in this year’s draft, slated for April 23-25.
