As first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are signing free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa to a one-year deal. The deal is reportedly worth up to $5 million. The Browns have also agreed to a two-year deal with free agent safety Daniel Thomas who was previously with the Detroit Lions. Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace has agreed to a deal with the Browns. Defensive end Julian Okwara also re-signed with the team.
Epenesa seemingly takes the place of Cameron Thomas, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Previously, Epenesa spent his entire six-year career with the Buffalo Bills. He was a former second round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Epenesa has 24 career sacks, though he only had 2.5 in 2025. After starting 13 games in 2024, Epenesa was utilized in a rotational role when the team brought in players such as Joey Bosa this past year.
The deal seemingly has a similar setup to the deal the Browns signed with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka last season. The Browns ended up trading Shoyinka to the Chicago Bears when Thomas beat him out for the spot.
The Browns could theoretically find someone else on their roster or draft someone who would then make Epenesa expendable, potentially a trade chip down the line. Likewise, there's a world where the Browns decide Isaiah McGuire is a tradeable asset as he is in the last year of his deal and Epenesa could take his role behind Alex Wright.
Epenesa is the second new face the Browns have signed to their defensive line. The team also officially signed defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers. Both players have been brought to bolster the depth of the unit.
Daniel Thomas is a safety, though his primary appeal is on special teams. Between his career with the Lions and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In six career seasons, Thomas has racked up 1,436 total special teams snaps and been on every unit except field goal block. The Browns are trying to improve what was one of the worst special teams units in the league.
The team has also agreed to a deal with former Ravens receiver Tylan Wallace. Wallace was a fourth-round selection in the 2021 draft. He's caught 22 career passes for 305 yards. Like Thomas, his appeal is largely on special teams. He has 1,003 reps in his five years with the Ravens and has a smattering of experience as a punt returner.
The Browns also re-signed defensive end Julian Okwara. Okwara was with the team last year, though failed to make the 53-man roster. He spent the season largely on the practice squad. The former third round pick also has some special teams experience in addition to being a defensive end.