Report: Browns decide against signing DE A.J. Epenesa

Field Level Media|published: Mon 30th March, 24:32 2026

Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) warms up prior to the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns are not signing free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa after concerns following his physical, ESPN reported on Sunday night.

The Browns were reported on March 18, per ESPN, to have agreed to sign the six-year veteran to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million. Epenesa, 27, who had spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, was at the Browns' facility last Monday, per the NFL transactions wire.

Epenesa 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.

Epenesa played out the final year of his four-year rookie contract, reportedly valued at $5,866,299 with a $1,834,399 signing bonus. He became an unrestricted free agent but returned to Buffalo on a two-year, $12 million contract.

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

--Field Level Media

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