The Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks are two NFC contenders with few holes on their rosters.
However, both teams could use some extra help in their edge rusher rooms. Outside of Nolan Smith, Jonathan Greenard, and Jalyx Hunt, the Eagles lack proven production in the pass-rushing department, especially since Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter don't post high-level sack numbers on the interior.
As for the Seahawks, Mike Macdonald and Aden Durde's edge rusher group is solid with Demarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, Derrick Hall, and Dante Fowler Jr. But Seattle could look to add another piece to the position, primarily due to their division rival, the Los Angeles Rams, making a splash move to upgrade their pass rush by trading for reigning defensive player of the year Myles Garrett.
With Philadelphia and Seattle potentially in the market for an edge rusher, an NFL analyst linked the NFC squads to a free-agent pass rusher who last played for the Buffalo Bills.
Eagles and Seahawks linked to A.J. Epenesa
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed A.J. Epenesa as one of the top remaining free agents under 30, and dubbed the Eagles and Seahawks as possible landing spots.
"Given his age, Epenesa still has the potential to develop into a serviceable starter, and, at worst, he should be a quality rotational edge this season—again, if healthy. He should interest virtually every team looking to boost its edge rotation," Knox wrote.
Epenesa spent the first six seasons of his career with the Bills and had some solid seasons, including three straight years with at least six sacks from 2022 to 2024. In 2025, the Iowa product tallied 2.5 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures with 17 defensive stops.
Despite showing that he can be a solid rotational pass rusher and viable starter when needed, Epenesa has gone unsigned in NFL free agency. The 27-year-old initially agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns back in March, but the Browns canceled the agreement after his physical raised some questions.
If Epenesa is now healthy and ready to go, he would be a fantastic summer signing for a contender in need of help on the pass-rushing front. The 6-foot-6 edge rusher has been to the postseason every year of his career, though he has yet to record a playoff sack.
Epenesa should be on the Eagles and Seahawks' target lists, as the former second-round pick would be a nice rotational piece for either team, and there's no harm in adding extra depth to the defensive line at this point in the offseason.