The Miami Dolphins hosted free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa one week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Miami Dolphins hosted free agent defensive end A.J. Epenesa one week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL analyst Field Yates shared the news via X.
Epenesa remains a free agent this offseason after the Cleveland Browns called off the deal they struck in mid-March.
The free agent defender was off the market for a few days after he agreed to a one-year, $5 milion deal with Cleveland. However, the deal was called off after he failed a physical. Epenesa has not found another team, but there is a chance that Miami has a strong interest in the 27-year-old.
The Kansas native has played his first six seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills. Epenesa is a former second-round pick from the University of Iowa. He was a standout as a Hawkeye, as he was named a two-time First-team All-Big Ten, second-team All-American and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2017.
Epenesa is coming off a solid season in 2025. In 16 games, but with only two starts, he recorded 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, four passes defended and tied a career-high two interceptions.
He's been solid throughout his entire career, recording 135 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 53 quarterback hits, 24 sacks, 21 passes defended, five forced fumbles and four interceptions in 91 games and 19 starts.
Two seasons ago, Epenesa finished with a career-high 55.4 percent of defensive snaps in the only season he's played in all 17 games. However, that number dropped significantly last season to 44.6 percent in 16 games.
Last season, the Bills finished second in the AFC East with a 12-5 record, but fell to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional round.
The Dolphins could use all the help they could get, and Epenesa could be the type of player they need. From a football standpoint, he's a good fit, but far from a centerpiece.
His potential addition helps Miami's depth and rotation; however, he is not fixing the pass rush alone. In that department, the Dolphins have a long way to go.
Things could get really tricky if Epenesa wants a lavish deal. The last thing Miami wants to do is give away a huge contract, as they are into players wanting to sign cheap, short-term deals to stay afloat financially.
Reports have indicated that Epenesa is not looking for a huge contract, putting him in the mid-tier, bargain veteran range.
Epenesa would be a good, affordable rotational edge for a Dolphins team wanting to be competitive in 2026.