The free agency craziness is over for AJ Epenesa after he finally found a new home.
The former Hawkeye star spent the first six seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills after they selected him with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round of the 202 NFL Draft. Epenesa was a productive member of the Bills' defensive line, becoming a solid reserve or starter in a pinch.
After six seasons in Buffalo, Epenesa became a free agent after the 2025-2026 season, and it looked like he had a new destination all worked out. When a deal fell through, Epenesa was still on the open market, but he has now found his way to Philadelphia.
Epenesa signed with the Eagles three months after his Cleveland deal fell through
It is unknown what kept Epenesa as a free agent for as long as he did, which caused him to miss OTAs and early-summer workouts. That all appears to be in his rearview mirror as he inked a new deal to join the Philadelphia Eagles.
We have signed DE A.J. Epenesa and G Michael Jordan and waived LB Chandler Martin and LB Isiah King. pic.twitter.com/dBYfyNwLtO
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 10, 2026
The Eagles announced they signed Epenesa alongside guard Michael Jordan, while waiving linebackers Chandler Martin and Isaia King. While the Eagles announced the signing, the organization did not release the contract terms.
Epenesa heads to Philly after a deal with the Cleveland Browns fell through in March, paving the way for him to join a different organization. It is unclear why the Browns backed out of the deal, and Epenesa's market was initially slowed down before recently ramping up.
The Chicago Bears were among the teams interested in signing him, but he ultimately landed with the Eagles. The Eagles' defense was solid last season, ranking No. 13 overall in yards per game (314.2) and No. 5 in points per game (19.1). They also had a +6 turnover margin, notching 12 interceptions and nine fumbles.
Epenesa brings productive veteran experience to the Eagles' defensive line with 91 NFL games, including 19 starts under his belt. In six seasons with the Bills, he tallied 135 total tackles, 24 sacks, four interceptions, and 21 passes defended. This is a clear case of the rich getting richer as the already stout Eagles' defense added another weapon to the trenches.
Epenesa joins an edge-rushing group that features Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, and Nolan Smith after losing Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Epenesa was a solid signing for the Eagles, and he will be an immediate factor whether as a starter or as a reserve.
Add us as a preferred source on Google