NFL OTAs are under way, and a former Hawkeye star still does not have a new home.
Former Iowa defensive end AJ Epenesa is on the open market after spending his first six seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He was a very productive reserve defensive lineman for the Bills, tallying 135 total tackles, including 29 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks in 91 games.
After an eventful offseason for Epenesa, he could be back in the Midwest sooner than we think.
The Chicago Bears reportedly brought Epenesa in for a workout
During the offseason, Epenesa inked a one-year, $5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, but the deal fell through after an issue surfaced in his medical report. Even though the details were not disclosed, the Browns backed out of the deal.
Enter the Chicago Bears, who reportedly brought the former Hawkeye in for a workout to potentially help solve some of their defensive line issues.
According to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, the Bears brought Epenesa in for a workout because the organization doesn't want to wait around and see how the current roster performs. Biggs noted that the workout signaled either an intention to add to the position group or to do due diligence.
Hawkeye fans would love to see Epenesa back in the Midwest, and if the Bears ultimately decide to add him to the roster, they are adding to a position group that desperately needs help before next season.
Epenesa makes a lot sense for the Bears
Outside of starting edge rushers Montez Sweat and Austin Booker, the reserve options are very uninspiring, including two players coming off of season-ending injuries (Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner). Epenesa gives them a productive and durable option to add much-needed depth.
The Bears' defense was far from being the "Monsters of the Midway" last season, ranking No. 29 overall in total defense and No. 27 overall in rushing defense, something Epenesa could easily help solve. There is no guarantee that Epenesa will stay in the Windy City, and whatever the Browns found in his medical report could be cause for concern, but taking a flier on him is not a bad idea.
Epenesa is only 27 years old and has plenty of fuel left in the tank. In the right system, he can make a real difference as a reserve or as a spot starter. The Bears already beefed up their offensive line with former Hawkeye Logan Jones; why not do the same on the defensive line by bringing in Epenesa on a short-term deal?
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