Yesterday, it was reported that the Arizona Cardinals were taking calls on defensive end Josh Sweat. No teams were specifically mentioned as possible trade suitors, but with the Chicago Bears seemingly having a need at the position, it makes sense for general manager Ryan Poles to check in on the cost. Much like it also makes sense for the Bears to host a veteran or two this offseason, which is what happened recently.
In his mailbag this morning at the Chicago Tribune, Brad Biggs wrote, “It’s my understanding
the Bears brought in A.J. Epenesa for a workout last week.”
The soon-to-be 28-year-old Epenesa (6’6″, 260) played 91 games for the Buffalo Bills from 2020 to 2025, making 19 starts at defensive end and compiling 24 sacks. He doesn’t have a ton of juice off the edge, but he’s a professional who could help a d-line deficient team.
In March, Epenesa agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns for $5M, but the Browns backed out after his physical. Teams have varying criteria for failing a player, so what one team flags may not be something another team does.
If he checked out, he’d be worth a flier for the Bears, especially if they have any reservations about Dayo Odeyingbo not being ready for the season after rehabbing his Achilles injury.
Biggs speculated about the workout, “I’d probably classify the visit by Epenesa somewhere between interest in adding to the position and performing due diligence on an emergency list.”
Do you think the Bears will add to the defensive line before training camp?
