Packers linked to intriguing free agent at premium position who could fix lingering concern left after first wave and the draft
Edge defender AJ Epenesa left the Bills and signed with the Browns, but failed his physical and is still available on the market.
The Green Bay Packers did what they could to solve roster issues this offseason. General manager Brian Gutekunst addressed essentially all positions on defense and the offensive line, but one defensive spot is still a question mark.
With Micah Parsons set to miss the first few games of the season, the edge defender group early on is a concern — even though the Packers drafted Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round of the draft.
Nonetheless, ESPN’s Matt Bowen has a viable solution, and that would include signing one of the best available free agents on the market.
Packers mentioned as ideal landing spot for AJ Epenesa
Bowen made a list of the top landing spots for the best remaining free agents. Unsurprisingly, the Packers were there for AJ Epenesa, an athletic edge defender who spent his first six NFL seasons on the Buffalo Bills after being a second-round pick.
“The Packers lost rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the Jets in free agency, so the team could add his replacement in Epenesa. He’s a long, powerful mover who can set the edge with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also create disruptive plays under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, as he recorded 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six seasons with the Bills.” — Matt Bowen.
What Epenesa has to offer
Late in March, Epenesa agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. It was worth up to $5 million. However, the defender failed his physical and the Browns decided not to sign him after all. Down the stretch last season, Epenesa was listed on injury reports with a neck issue, but he was cleared to play without designations. He participated in 16 regular season games and two playoff games for Buffalo.
A long, strong edge defender, Epenesa would be a solid if unspectacular rotational piece. He’s had between 20 and 30 pressures in each season since 2021, including 28 last season. In 2025, he had an average 63.5 PFF pass rush grade, and also 17 stops. His defensive coordinator was Bobby Babich, who’s now the Packers’ secondary coach and pass game coordinator.
Not counting Micah Parsons, the Packers’ edge group has Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr., Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and Arron Mosby, plus undrafted rookie Nyjalik Kelly and developmental project Dante Barnett, who’s a member of the International Pathway Program.