The Browns have signed AJ Epenesa.
Getty
The Browns have signed AJ Epenesa.
The Cleveland Browns have signed a new pass-rusher, bringing in AJ Epenesa to add to a unit that includes superstar Myles Garrett.
Epenesa is a former second-round pick and has spent all six of his NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He has 25 career sacks and logged three straight seasons of six-plus sacks from 2022-24. Epenesa had just 2.5 sacks last season.
The sacks may not tell the full story. Epenesa is a disruptor inside, batting passes and notching the occasional interception. He has four interceptions in his career, including two last season.
Epenesa joins a unit that includes Garrett,Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire. The Browns ranked third in the NFL with 53 sacks as a team last season. However, Garrett had 23 of those on his way to an NFL single-season record and his second Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Some Uncertainty Around Browns DE Myles Garrett
Trade rumors continue to swirl around Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett.
GettyTrade rumors continue to swirl around Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett.
There’s lingering uncertainty around Garrett’s satisfaction with the Browns’ offseason direction. The most significant move came at head coach, where Cleveland parted ways with Kevin Stefanski and hired Todd Monken.
The decision raised eyebrows in part because the team passed over defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a coach Garrett publicly supported for a head coaching role. Schwartz ultimately stepped down from his position after not being selected, adding another layer to the situation surrounding Garrett’s outlook moving forward.
Garrett has made it clear that his goal is to win games and compete for a Super Bowl. He said he’s been taking the offseason day by day.
“A Super Bowl would be great. That’s the way I always wanted my career to go. To be able to knock out each one of these. I would have knocked it out earlier if I could, but it’s all God’s timing,” Garrett told Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland. “Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP would be amazing. But right now, I’m just taking it day by day. I’m happy with what I’ve done. I’m not satisfied but taking a second to breathe. When all the dust is settled, I’m just appreciative that I’ve even got to this point. Taking it one day at a time.
“I just want to take it a day at a time as far as what is happening with the offseason and going into next season. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve here and the teammates and team we have.”
Browns Also Add Other Pieces to Defense
The Browns have also added some other pieces to their defense through free agency. Following the departure of Devin Bush, the team signed former All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams to fill the void. Williams chose a unique way to describe his play, which will fit right in with the Browns.
“(Like) a cheetah chasing a gazelle when he first wakes up,” Williams said. “My mindset is be there before the ball gets there or be there before the runner or receiver knows you’re there. The only way I can do that is by my preparation. That’s making sure the game plan is right, making sure I know where I need to be, making sure I know where my teammates are too. So, I know what plays I can take and what shots I can take. And so, all that put together looks like a cheetah chasing a gazelle, because I know where I’m going and I know how fast I need to be to get there before you turn around.”
The Browns have also added defensive tackle Kalia Davis and safety Daniel Thomas.