The Philadelphia Eagles have signed a former second-round pick as a new pass rusher.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Buffalo Bills second-round pick A.J. Epenesa. Epenesa was expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason, but failed his physical.
He now lands with the Eagles, who already have a talented pass rush. The 27-year-old is entering his seventh season in the NFL after some solid years with the Bills.
In 2025, Epenesa finished with 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and nine quarterback hits. His best seasons came from 2022 to 2024 as he finished with at least six sacks in each of those seasons.
He could be a solid rotational pass rusher for Philadelphia alongside Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis.
The Eagles acquired Greenard in the NFL Draft, sending two third-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings. He then inked a four-year $98 million deal with Philadelphia.
The 29-year-old appeared in 12 games for the Vikings in 2025, finishing with 38 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. While these are decent numbers, Greenard proved to be a star during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
In 2023, Greenard had 52 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble while finishing with 59 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2024.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesSmith Jr. has shown flashes during his three-year career, as he has 91 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.
Carter and Davis have been disruptive as interior defensive linemen. Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler and has 108 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks across three seasons. Davis has 162 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks across four seasons.
While Epenesa isn't a star, he could be a quality rotational pass rusher for Philadelphia's defense, paired with their other talent. The Eagles will look to compete for a Super Bowl in the 2026 season, and players like Epenesa give them more depth to make a deep run.
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