The Philadelphia Eagles have added edge rusher AJ Epenesa to their defensive line depth chart. This comes months after the Cleveland Browns backed out of a deal to sign him, Yankee Scores reports.
Cleveland and Epenesa had agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million back in March, Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, the Browns pulled out after concerns arose from his physical examination. The exact nature of those concerns was never disclosed, but Epenesa faced multiple injuries in 2025. After Cleveland withdrew, he visited both Miami and Chicago before the Eagles showed interest.
Eagles signed former Bills DE A.J. Epenesa.
Epenesa originally was Buffalo’s 2020 second-round pick. He planned to sign with the Browns in March, but didn’t pass his physical. Now he lands in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/BRlegoLcID
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 10, 2026
The 27-year-old spent his entire six-year NFL career with Buffalo, having been drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2020 draft. He appeared in 91 games and recorded 24 career sacks, but his production dropped to just 2.5 sacks last season after a three-year stretch where he had 19.
In Philadelphia, Epenesa joins an edge group already featuring Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, and Nolan Smith. The Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips to Carolina in free agency this offseason. However, they strengthened the position by trading for Greenard during draft weekend and signing him to a four-year, $100 million extension.
On Wednesday, the Eagles also announced the signing of offensive lineman Michael Jordan. Linebackers Chandler Martin and Isaiah King were waived to make room on the roster.
Epenesa will need to earn his spot when training camp starts in late July.
