Bills’ Edge Rusher Declines Browns Offer Following Failed Physical

The Cleveland Browns will not complete a one-year deal for A.J. Epenesa after a failed physical. Filmogaz.com reporter Daniel Oyefusi first reported the team’s decision.

Visit and Contract Status

Epenesa visited the Browns’ facility last week. The reported agreement would have been worth up to $5 million for one year.

The initial report surfaced on March 19. Cleveland chose not to move forward after reviewing the physical results.

Role on the Roster

The deal was intended to provide depth on the Browns’ defensive line. He was viewed as a potential replacement for Cameron Thomas.

Thomas signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Epenesa now returns to the open free-agent market.

Health and Recent Availability

The Browns cited concerns following a failed physical. The outcome contrasts with Epenesa’s relatively durable record with Buffalo.

He missed seven games over six NFL seasons. In 2025, he played 16 games and missed one with a concussion.

In 2024, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games. He was listed with a neck issue before Buffalo’s divisional playoff versus Denver.

Despite that report, he was active and logged 28 defensive snaps and 16 special teams snaps. He recorded one tackle in that playoff game.

Career Overview

Epenesa, 27, has spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills. He was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa.

Recent Production

His most productive run came from 2022 through 2024. Epenesa totaled 19 sacks across those three seasons.

He posted back-to-back 6.5-sack seasons in 2022 and 2023. He remained a steady rotational player despite not starting full time.

Market Impact and Next Steps

With the Browns stepping away, Epenesa returns to free agency. Teams will weigh his production versus medical concerns.

Reports described the situation as a Bills’ edge rusher who declined the Browns’ offer amid a failed physical. His next move remains open.