Browns Sign Defensive End A.J. Epenesa
Cleveland will sign A.J. Epenesa, a defensive end, to a one-year contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. The deal can reach $5 million in total value.
Epenesa departs the Bills after six seasons. Buffalo is shifting to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Contract details and expected role
The Browns view Epenesa as a complementary rusher in a 4-3 scheme. He should work alongside Myles Garrett in passing situations.
Alex Wright remains Garrett’s primary sidekick. Wright, 25, is under a three-year, $33 million extension with the team.
Bills tenure and 2024 highlights
Epenesa was a former second-round pick in Buffalo. The Bills re-signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal in 2024.
He finished the 2024 season with 2.5 sacks across 15 games. He also intercepted two passes and played nearly half the team’s defensive snaps.
Used as a rotational rusher behind Gregory Rousseau and Joey Bosa, Epenesa started 13 games in 2024. He later returned to a second-string role.
- 19 sacks from 2022–2024.
- Career-high 612 defensive snaps in 2024.
- Recorded a safety and eight tackles for loss in 2024.
Fit in Cleveland and roster moves
The signing adds depth to a talented pass rush. At a salary below $5 million, Epenesa represents cost-effective reinforcement.
The Browns also added wide receiver and return man Tylan Wallace. Filmogaz.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported Wallace spent five seasons in Baltimore and will reunite with former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken in Cleveland.
The Browns’ front-seven now features Garrett, Wright and Epenesa. Additional roster updates are likely as the offseason progresses.
