The Cleveland Browns continue to make moves in NFL free agency, but none at the three positions that fans and media have identified as the biggest needs: Quarterback, left tackle, and wide receiver. Earlier on Wednesday, the Browns added safety Daniel Thomas. Thomas has played a majority of his snaps on special teams, but he did play 111 snaps on defense for the Detroit Lions last season.
Cleveland’s defense has seen some changes with LB Devin Bush and DE Cameron Thomas departing early in free agency,
while LB Quincy Williams, CB D’Angelo Ross, DT Kalia Davis, and CB Trey Avery all signed on that side of the ball.
Wednesday night, news came that the Browns were adding another defender, DE A.J. Epenesa:
Epenesa was a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL draft. In six seasons, the Iowa product contributed 24 sacks, including three straight seasons with six or 6.5. Last year, Epenesa saw his snap count drop almost 200, down to 438, leading to just 2.5 sacks and 32 tackles.
Pro Football Focus gave the newest Cleveland defender a 58.8 grade overall, with his best coming as a pass rusher (63.5). His best graded season came in 2023 at 80.3 with an 85.2 grade rushing the passer.
Matt Warren, NFL Community Director for SB Nation and Buffalo Rumblings contributor, gave this note on the Epenesa signing:
Played significant snaps for the Bills. Seems cheap to me.
Joining a rotation that is led by DE Myles Garrett, Epenesa will compete with Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire for playing time.
Are you excited about the newest addition for the Browns? Do you think GM Andrew Berry should continue to add to the defense? If so, which positions?
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