The Green Bay Packers are expected to be without Micah Parsons for the beginning portion of the 2026-27 season due to the torn ACL injury he suffered in the 34-26 Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos. While he continues his recovery process, ESPN names one free agent the front office could sign to pick up the slack in the meantime.
In his latest column for ESPN, Matt Bowen believes that edge rusher AJ Epenesa would be a perfect fit in Green Bay. Not only could Epenesa fill the void with Parsons out for maybe the first quarter of the regular season, but the 27-year-old defender has the potential of serving as a consistent starter on the opposite side of the defensive line when Parsons finally returns.
“The Packers lost rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the [New York] Jets in free agency, so the team could add his replacement in Epenesa,” said Bowen. “He's a long, powerful mover who can set the edge with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also create disruptive plays under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, as he recorded 24.0 sacks and four interceptions in six seasons with the [Buffalo] Bills.”
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Epenesa mainly served as a rotational option on the defensive line throughout most of his six-year career with the Bills. Regardless, he's been consistent when he does play, appearing in 14 or more games in each season of his career so far. He entered free agency after recording 32 combined tackles (17 solo), 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions.
While nothing is set in stone and AJ Epenesa remains a free agent, the Packers do need help on the defensive line, especially on the edge. Micah Parsons will eventually return from injury in the 2026-27 campaign. But the edge rusher position could be a weakness until he eventually bounces back.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to be without Micah Parsons for the beginning portion of the 2026-27 season due to the torn ACL injury he suffered in the 34-26 Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos. While he continues his recovery process, ESPN names one free agent the front office could sign to pick up the slack in the meantime.