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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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After spending his first six NFL seasons as a valuable member of the Buffalo Bills' defense, edge rusher AJ Epenesa signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, before signing that contract in June, Epenesa had previously agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in March. Just under two weeks after that agreement was announced, though, the deal fell through. The Browns reportedly canceled it after medical personnel grew uncomfortable with the results of his physical exam.
On Tuesday, Epenesa spoke with local Philadelphia reporters and addressed the "weird" situation with Cleveland.
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"Cleveland, it was a weird situation. I don't necessarily want to go back and talk on that ... I'll just leave that in the past and be happy that I'm not a Brown and I'm an Eagle."
Asked if he's healthy, Epenesa said: "Very healthy. Feeling good. And happy to be here."
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Across 91 games with the Bills, Epenesa racked up 135 combined tackles, 53 quarterback hits, 29 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 21 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. During the 2025 season, though, he battled through several injuries — including a concussion, a pectoral injury, a foot injury and a neck issue — while still appearing in 16 regular-season games.
The initial report on the failed Browns deal didn't specify exactly what raised concerns during Epenesa's physical. But regardless, he landed in an even better situation with the Eagles, joining an edge group that includes Nolan Smith, Jonathan Greenard and Jalyx Hunt.
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Epenesa has already proven to be a valuable piece in a rotation, coming up in big moments for the Bills throughout his tenure in Buffalo. And at just 27 years old, he's still got plenty left in the tank. He may only be on a one-year deal, but he has a great opportunity to earn real playing time for a Super Bowl contender — and lock up a long-term deal next offseason.
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