Browns Sign Former 2nd Round Edge Rusher in Free Agency Move
The Cleveland Browns added defensive depth in free agency on Wednesday. The team signed A.J. Epenesa and earlier added safety Daniel Thomas the same day.
Epenesa’s background
Epenesa was a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa and has six NFL seasons on his resume.
Career production
Across his six-year career, Epenesa has 24 sacks. He posted three consecutive seasons with six or 6.5 sacks.
Last season his snap total fell by about 200 snaps to 438. He finished with 2.5 sacks and 32 tackles.
Grades and evaluations
Pro Football Focus gave Epenesa a 58.8 overall grade this past year. His pass-rushing grade was 63.5.
His best PFF season came in 2023. That year he earned an 80.3 overall grade and an 85.2 pass-rushing mark.
How he fits in Cleveland
The Browns now have another outside pass rusher in the mix. Cleveland added a former 2nd-round edge rusher in this free agency move to bolster its rotation.
Epenesa will join a group led by Myles Garrett. He is expected to compete with Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire for snaps.
Other roster notes
Safety Daniel Thomas was signed earlier the same day. Thomas has primarily played on special teams.
He did log 111 defensive snaps for the Detroit Lions last season.
Reactions and next steps
Matt Warren, NFL Community Director for SB Nation and a Buffalo Rumblings contributor, noted Epenesa played meaningful snaps in Buffalo. He suggested the signing looks cost-effective.
Fans had prioritized quarterback, left tackle, and wide receiver as top needs. The Browns have not made additions at those positions.
What to watch
- How the Browns deploy Epenesa in pass-rush situations.
- Whether Cleveland pursues upgrades at QB, left tackle, or receiver.
- How competition with Wright and McGuire affects defensive snaps.
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