Report: Bears worked out veteran DE A.J. Epenesa

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th May, 13:48 2026

Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (57) following the game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Defensive end A.J. Epenesa worked out for the Bears last week, the Chicago Tribune reported on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old free agent's deal with the Cleveland Browns fell through in March following a failed physical.

Epenesa, who has spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, originally agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with Cleveland.

He played in 16 regular season games (two starts) for the Bills in 2025 and totaled 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. He added two tackles in two playoff games.

Buffalo selected Epenesa in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa.

For his career, Epenesa has 135 tackles, 24 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 53 QB hits, four interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 21 passes defensed in 91 regular season games (19 starts). He also has 17 tackles in 14 playoff games (three starts).

Chicago's returning players at defensive end include Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, Daniel Hardy and Shemar Turner.

--Field Level Media

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