Browns Add Defensive End A.J. Epenesa, Sign Wide Receiver Tylan Wallace The Cleveland Browns have finalized additions to their roster, bringing in defensive end A.J. Epenesa and wide receiver Tylan Wallace. Epenesa, a former second-round pick, is joining the team on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move marks the end of his six-year tenure with the Buffalo Bills, where he played under a modified defensive scheme. The Bills are transitioning to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and Epenesa will remain in a 4-3 role as a complementary pass-rushing presence. Epenesa’s time with the Bills included a two-year, $12 million contract signed in 2024. Despite playing 15 games in 2024, he recorded just 2.5 sacks, a decline from his previous seasons. However, he remained a key rotational player, appearing on 47% of the team’s defensive snaps. The Bills also signed Bradley Chubb and will have Michael Hoecht returning from injury, which likely influenced Epenesa’s departure. The Browns, meanwhile, already have Alex Wright as Myles Garrett’s primary sidekick, but Epenesa’s 19 sacks over the past three seasons make him a valuable addition. The Browns’ decision to sign Epenesa at a lower cost than Wright’s $33 million, three-year deal reflects their strategy to balance experience with value. Epenesa’s role as a reliable pass-rusher and his ability to contribute on special teams could provide depth to the defense. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace is also joining the Browns, per cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. Wallace, a five-year veteran with the Baltimore Ravens, will follow former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken to Cleveland.#buffalo_bills #jim_leonhard #cleveland_browns #aj_epenesa #tylan_wallace
Former Bills DE AJ Epenesa Signs One-Year Deal with Browns Former Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa is set to sign a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, according to a source shared with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday. The deal, which could be worth up to $5 million, marks Epenesa’s return to the NFL after spending his entire six-year career with the Bills. Epenesa, 27, was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft by Buffalo and became a consistent presence on the team’s defensive line. Over his NFL career, he has appeared in 91 games, starting 19 of them. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Epenesa has accumulated 24 sacks in his career. However, his production dipped in 2025, as he recorded just 2.5 sacks in 16 games, compared to 19 sacks over the previous three seasons. Despite the decline in sack numbers, Epenesa has remained a threat through his arm usage. He has registered 14 batted passes and four interceptions throughout his career, including two in 2025. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks has also translated to the postseason, where he has played in 14 games. While he has yet to record a sack in the playoffs, Epenesa has contributed with three quarterback hits and three batted passes. The move to the Browns represents a new chapter for Epenesa, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Bills. The deal comes as the Browns look to bolster their defensive line, adding depth and experience to a unit that has seen significant changes in recent years. Epenesa’s versatility and ability to impact games through both sacks and pass-rushing techniques make him a valuable addition to the team’s roster. ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg contributed to this report.#buffalo_bills #espn #adam_schefter #cleveland_browns #aj_epenesa
