Bills could have been given a gift from the football gods during a busy offseason, and Brandon Beane should be calling
Brandon Beane and the front office need to strike while the iron is hot.
The Buffalo Bills are fleshing out their roster, losing a handful of players to free agency during this crazy portion of the offseason. From fullback Reggie Gilliam joining the New England Patriots to offensive lineman David Edwards joining the New Orleans Saints, there have been more than a handful of goodbyes to some meaningful players over the years.
Another player that has said goodbye, or at least so we thought, was that of defensive end A.J. Epenesa, who agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.
That was until the Browns shook up the NFL landscape by deciding they were not comfortable with his physical, and have rescinded the one-year deal. Epensa is now officially back on the market, and is a player that Buffalo could look to bring back cheaply to help bolster the defensive line.
The six-year defensive end has spent his entire career in Buffalo, appearing in 91 games with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, 21 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 24 sacks, and 135 combined tackles.
Buffalo loses out in more ways than one in the Epenesa saga
The Buffalo Bills will be missing out on their compensatory pick from Epenesa, which is a tough deal after he allegedly failed his physical. The veteran defensive end could see his services be taken elsewhere, but we’re selfishly hoping he returns home to Buffalo because why not?
He didn’t light the league on fire with his play over the years, thus seeing him become a free agent who is open to signing with any organization. Although it may be a blessing in disguise that it didn’t work out with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo could be the ultimate benefactor.
With how the entire situation played out, there’s a very real possibility that his price tag has gone down and Buffalo could swoop him up on a one-year prove it deal if either the draft board doesn’t fall the way the team would hope it would, or if the free agency market isn’t as great as they’d hope to be when filling in the remaining roster holes. Epenesa knows the team, while the system is new, he’d be given every opportunity to succeed once again.
And I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a little AJ Epenesa interception in their lives?
At this point, it almost feels too perfect not to at least consider a reunion.
If the price is right, Buffalo has a chance to bring back a familiar face who already understands the culture, the expectations, and what it takes to contribute in big moments. It may not be the splashiest of moves of the offseason, but it’s exactly the kind of under-the-radar decision that can quietly pay off when it matters most.
If nothing else, Bills Mafia knows one thing for sure: when Epenesa is on the field, something unexpected is always on the table.
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