‘Happy that I’m not a Brown’ – NFL veteran throws shade at Browns over weird offseason situation
The Browns had originally agreed to bring a veteran free agent in this season, then later the deal fell through due to a failed physical. Now, the player has spoke out on the situation for the first time.
The Cleveland Browns‘ offseason pass rush search for help has been an interesting one. Back in March it was reported the Browns were signing AJ Epenesa, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the deal never came together.
After the Browns pulled out of the deal for what was called a failed physical, Epenesa eventually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Buffalo Bills pass rusher was asked about the situation with the Browns this week.
“It was a weird situation,” Epenesa stated of the deal with the Browns. “I don’t necessarily want to go back and talk on that in just a weird sense.
“I’ll just leave that in the past and just be happy that I’m not a Brown and that I’m an Eagle.”
It’s a small bit of shade at the Browns, expressing he’s glad he’s not in Cleveland rather than simply saying he’s happy to be with the Eagles. It’s also what you’d expect to hear from a player on another team. They’re always going to prop up the current squad they’re with.
Epenesa was a solid depth addition the Browns missed out on
Epenesa was a decent signing considering he was going to be at the middle to back end of the defensive end rotation. He still brought production over the last six years in the NFL with 24 sacks and 135 tackles across his career. Last season he only had 2.5 sacks in 16 games, but in each of the three prior seasons he recorded at least six sacks. The former second-round pick out of Iowa would have filled a clear need on the roster.
The Browns have been searching for pass rushing depth since losing their fourth pass rusher from last year, Cameron Thomas, to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. When the Epenesa deal fell apart, that need remained, which is why Cleveland was interested in Jadeveon Clowney before he signed with the Houston Texans to return there for the second time in his career.
Where do the Browns go from here at edge rusher?
Cleveland still needs someone to fill in behind Jared Verse, Alex Wright, and Isaiah McGuire. It now appears the Browns are likely to rely on one of the undrafted free agents, Tyreak Sapp or Logan Fano, to round out the edge room, unless roster cutdowns allow them to add someone else.
Browns fans won’t love Epenesa’s comment because it carries some shade, but it’s not the biggest deal. The real concern remains whether Cleveland can find enough pass rush depth before the regular season arrives.
