The NFL offseason is often defined by the ink on the paper, but sometimes the most significant moves are the ones that never quite make it to the signing table. In a sudden turn of events, the Cleveland Browns have reportedly decided to move in a different direction regarding their defensive line depth. According to a source via ESPN, the Browns have opted not to sign veteran defensive end AJ Epenesa after the team grew uncomfortable following his physical evaluation.
The Decision Following the Physical
The news broke on Sunday that the Cleveland Browns would not be finalizing a contract with the former Buffalo Bills pass rusher. While terms of a potential deal had been discussed, the standard medical examination proved to be the sticking point. In the NFL, every contract is contingent upon a player passing a physical administered by the team's medical staff. If a team uncovers a pre-existing condition, an injury that hasn't fully healed, or long-term structural concerns, they have the right to withdraw the offer.
According to reports, the Browns were "uncomfortable" with the results of AJ Epenesa’s physical. This terminology usually suggests that while a player might be cleared to play, the long-term risk or the immediate health status did not align with the team's investment strategy. For a Cleveland team that is carefully managing its salary cap and roster spots, the medical certainty of every addition is paramount.
AJ Epenesa’s Impact and Career Trajectory
Before this development, AJ Epenesa was considered one of the more intriguing young edge rushers available on the market. Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Epenesa spent the first four seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills. During his tenure in Buffalo, he developed into a reliable rotational piece for one of the AFC's most consistent defenses.
Statistically, Epenesa has shown significant growth over the last two seasons. He recorded 6.5 sacks in both 2022 and 2023, showcasing a knack for getting to the quarterback despite not being a full-time starter. In 2023, he also demonstrated impressive versatility and ball skills, recording two interceptions and forcing a fumble. His ability to use his 6-foot-6 frame to bat down passes and disrupt throwing lanes made him a valuable asset in Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme.
Cleveland’s Defensive Strategy Moving Forward
The pursuit of AJ Epenesa signaled that the Cleveland Browns are actively looking to bolster their pass-rushing unit. Under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns boasted one of the most aggressive and successful defensive fronts in the league last season, anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
The goal for Cleveland this offseason remains clear: find consistent pressure from the side opposite Garrett. While the team has Za'Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo, adding a player of Epenesa's caliber would have provided a youthful, high-ceiling rotation. With Epenesa no longer in the mix, the Browns front office, led by Andrew Berry, will likely pivot back to the free-agent market or look toward the upcoming NFL Draft to find additional depth for their defensive ends.
- Current Edge Depth: Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Alex Wright.
- Offensive Focus: Ensuring the defense remains elite to support the return of Deshaun Watson.
- Next Steps: Monitoring remaining veteran free agents who can pass a rigorous physical.
The Road Ahead for AJ Epenesa
For AJ Epenesa, the failed physical in Cleveland represents a significant hurdle in his free-agency journey. While it is not uncommon for players to fail a physical with one team and pass with another—often due to different medical philosophies or risk tolerances—it does create a narrative that other teams will investigate.
Epenesa remains a free agent and will likely seek evaluations from other interested parties. Given his age and his production over the last two years, there will undoubtedly be interest from teams looking for a 25-year-old defensive end with a proven track record of 15.5 career sacks. However, the specifics of the medical concerns found by the Browns will be the primary focus for any team looking to bring him in for a visit.
As the NFL calendar moves forward, the Cleveland Browns will continue to fine-tune a roster that they believe can compete for a Super Bowl. For now, the search for defensive reinforcements continues, as the AJ Epenesa era in Cleveland ended before it could officially begin.
Sources & Original Reporting
