Linebacker A.J. Epenesa described a "weird situation" involving the Cleveland Browns that led to the team reneging on a one-year, $5 million contract offer. The Eagles subsequently signed Epenesa to a deal reportedly worth $1.4 million, a significant pay reduction.
Epenesa, who played with the Buffalo Bills for the past six seasons, declined to elaborate on the specifics of why the Browns withdrew their offer after an initial agreement. "But I don’t necessarily want to go back and talk on that in just a weird sense, but I’ll just leave that in the past and just be happy that I’m not a Brown and that I’m an Eagle," he told reporters.
Despite the circumstances, Epenesa stated he is healthy and ready for the upcoming season. He has a history of availability, playing in at least 14 games in each of his six NFL seasons, including 16 games last year and 17 the season prior. His only reported concussions occurred in November 2020 and Week 10 last season. "Very healthy," Epenesa said. "Feeling good, and happy to be here."
Initially a second-round pick by Buffalo in 2020, Epenesa is now positioned third on the Eagles' depth chart. He is expected to serve in a complementary backup role behind starter Jonathan Greenard. Had the deal with Cleveland materialized, Epenesa had anticipated competing for a defensive end position opposite Jared Verse.