A.J. Epenesa
Getty
Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #57 of the Buffalo Bills.
The Chicago Bears need pass-rush help and a value option has just reemerged on the market.
Former Buffalo Bills edge defender AJ Epenesa inked a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in free agency earlier this month, but the Browns backed out of that agreement on Sunday, March 29.
“The Browns won’t be signing DE AJ Epenesa as was initially reported, per source. Team wasn’t comfortable finalizing the deal after his physical,” ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reported. “Epenesa visited the team’s facility last Monday, per the NFL’s transaction wire. The anticipation was that Epenesa would provide depth at DE and replace Cameron Thomas, who signed with the Falcons.”
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GettyFormer Buffalo Bills pass-rusher AJ Epenesa.
Oyefusi did not report the precise health issue that Epenesa displayed that caused Cleveland to make its decision to revoke the contract offer.
Epenesa has played in at least 14 games in every one of his six NFL seasons, including 16 of 17 contests last season. He suffered injuries in 2025, including a concussion and a foot issue late in the campaign. Reports of a neck injury also emerged ahead of Buffalo’s Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos in January, though Epenesa ended up playing in that contest.
Across 91 games played (19 starts) in his career, Epenesa has produced 53 QB hits, 29 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 21 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
The defensive end has earned more than $20.6 million during his professional tenure, with Spotrac projecting his market value at nearly $13 million total over a new two-year contract.
Bears Have Handful of Veteran Options to Improve Pass Rush Next Season
Cameron Jordan, Saints
GettyDefensive end Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints.
Chicago needs a pass-rusher to help bolster a defense that produced just 35 sacks as a unit in 2025. The team was near last place in the league in quick pressures and pass rush win rate last season.
Now back on the market, Epenesa is one of the younger potential options available to the Bears at just 27 years old. Other names Chicago could consider include Cameron Jordan, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy.
Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron last week authored a quick look at all three of them as candidates to join the Bears defense.
Jordan, who is soon to be 37, has plenty of ties to [Bears] defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last year’s 10.5-sack performance was the first time he had reached the double-digit sack plateau since his 12.5-sack season in 2021.
Clowney is another interesting name, even if he’s become a year-to-year journeyman since his days in Cleveland. The 33-year-old is a former No. 1 overall pick who has never experienced a 10-sack season, yet has continued to produce at a starting level.
Van Noy is yet another ageless wonder who experienced a down season in 2025, but has consistently been a pass-rushing force over the last handful of years.
Former Bears first-round pick Leonard Floyd (2016) is also a free agent and could be a fit for a reunion in Chicago.