The Philadelphia Eagles announced the signing of the veteran defensive end alongside offensive guard Michael Jordan, waiving linebackers Chandler Martin and Isiah King in corresponding moves.
The Eagles also released edge rusher Za'Darius Smith from the reserve/retired list, allowing him to play elsewhere if he returns to the NFL.
Epenesa's path to Philadelphia was one of the stranger free agency journeys of the offseason.
The Winding Road to Philadelphia
The Browns agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with Epenesa on March 18, only for Cleveland to back out after his physical on March 29, citing concerns that were not publicly disclosed.
Multiple reports confirmed Epenesa dealt with a concussion, a pectoral injury, a foot injury, and a neck issue during the 2025 season, yet still appeared in all 16 regular season games and played the divisional playoff game while listed on the injury report with a neck concern.
Eagles sign DE A.J. Epenesa. pic.twitter.com/36PwPbOLPD
— NFL (@NFL) June 10, 2026
After the Browns withdrew their offer, Epenesa visited the Dolphins and Bears without a deal materializing in either case.
Three months later, the Eagles called.
What Epenesa Brings to Philadelphia
Epenesa was a second-round pick, 54th overall, by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 draft out of Iowa, one selection after the Eagles used 53rd overall on Jalen Hurts.
He spent all six NFL seasons in Buffalo, playing 91 games with 19 starts and accumulating 24 sacks, 135 tackles, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions across his career.
His best three-year stretch came from 2022 through 2024, when he recorded at least six sacks and 10 quarterback hits annually as a rotational piece in one of the AFC's better defensive fronts.
Eagles signed former Bills DE A.J. Epenesa.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 10, 2026
Epenesa originally was Buffalo’s 2020 second-round pick. He planned to sign with the Browns in March, but didn’t pass his physical. Now he lands in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/BRlegoLcID
The 2025 production dipped to 2.5 sacks, which combined with the physical concerns, created the market hesitancy that left him unsigned until today.
The Eagles are deploying him as defensive line depth behind Brandon Graham and Jalen Carter, adding experienced rotational pass-rush presence on a team that went one-and-done in the wild card last season and is looking to go deeper in 2026.
Photo Credit: Shawn Dowd / USA TODAY NETWORK
