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
Buffalo Bills to Sign Veteran Cornerback Dee Alford to Three-Year Contract Worth Up to $21M The Buffalo Bills have finalized a deal to sign veteran cornerback Dee Alford to a three-year contract with a total value of up to $21 million, including approximately $10.2 million in guaranteed money. The move comes as the team looks to bolster its secondary, with Alford expected to step into the slot role previously occupied by Taron Johnson. Alford’s versatility, having played both slot and boundary positions, as well as occasional safety snaps, positions him as a valuable asset under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Alford’s 2025 season highlighted his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He recorded three of his four career interceptions during the year, including a notable play against Josh Allen in Week 6 when the Bills defeated Atlanta 24-14. That game marked Alford’s best performance of the season, as he also tallied a sack on a blitz, four tackles, and limited opposing quarterback completions to just two out of five targets. His physicality was further demonstrated when he forced a tackle on Joshua Palmer that resulted in an ankle injury, effectively ending Palmer’s rookie season with the Bills. While Alford excelled as a pass defender, his run-stopping ability was a concern. His Pro Football Focus grade in run defense ranked third-worst among 121 corners who played at least 80 snaps in that role. This weakness may influence his role with the Bills, though his experience and adaptability could help mitigate it. Alford’s journey to the NFL began at Tusculum University, a Division II school where he set a school record with 40 passes defended in 40 games. He also accumulated 140 tackles and 10 interceptions during his collegiate career.#buffalo_bills #jim_leonhard #winnipeg_blue_bombers #dee_alford #tusculum_university
Buffalo’s Roster Shakeup: Bills Release Four as $22M Cap Deficit Looms The Buffalo Bills have made four roster cuts to address their salary cap situation ahead of the new league year, creating $12.1 million in cap space. Bills president and general manager Brandon Beane announced the moves on Friday, releasing veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson. Despite these cuts, the team remains approximately $22 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million salary cap limit. Beane’s decision to part ways with Johnson, a longtime starting nickel cornerback, aligns with the team’s strategic shift under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Johnson, a 2018 fourth-round pick, is best known for his iconic interception of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the 2020 divisional round playoff game, a play that culminated in a touchdown from out of his own end zone. While the Bills explored potential changes to Johnson’s role, including a possible move to safety, Beane emphasized that all options were still on the table. “Nothing’s off the table,” Beane said, noting Johnson’s value as a “good football player.” Rapp, who started 24 games over the past three seasons, joined the Bills as a free agent from the Los Angeles Rams. He took over the starting safety role after Micah Hyde’s retirement and Jordan Poyer’s brief stint with the Miami Dolphins. However, Rapp’s 2025 season was cut short by a season-ending knee injury, limiting him to just six games. Samuel, a three-year team member signed in 2024 to reunite with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, struggled with recurring injuries and played in only six games last season. He caught seven passes for 81 yards and one touchdown, far below expectations.#buffalo_bills #jim_leonhard #taron_johnson #brandon_beane #micah_hyde
Aaron Rodgers Claims Bills' Defense Has 'One of The Best Players in The League' The Buffalo Bills' defense is navigating a transition period, but veteran cornerback Taron Johnson remains a key figure in their plans. Despite uncertainty surrounding his role in the team’s evolving scheme, Rodgers’ recent praise has reinforced his value. The Green Bay Packers quarterback, who faced Johnson in a December 2024 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted the defensive back’s versatility and impact. Johnson, a 29-year-old nickel cornerback, has been a staple for the Bills since joining the team in 2018. Drafted in the fourth round, he has made 113 career appearances, including 87 starts, and averages 71.5 tackles per season. His ability to adapt to multiple roles—whether as a traditional cornerback or part of a hybrid linebacker scheme—has made him an essential piece for defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Rodgers, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, praised Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities. “I think Buffalo did this more than anybody, playing nickel to every personnel, because Taron Johnson is one of the best players in the league,” Rodgers said. “He’s one of the most underrated players in the league. He can play a box linebacker and stop the run and he can cover guys.” Johnson’s contributions have been evident on the field. In 2024, he recorded a crucial interception during a 23-20 road win over the New York Jets, and his presence helped secure a Week 13 victory over the Steelers. General manager Brandon Beane echoed Rodgers’ sentiment, noting Johnson’s adaptability. “The guy’s played nickel, but he’s also basically been half of a WILL linebacker just the way our defense was constructed,” Beane said at the NFL Combine. Despite his contract through 2027 and a $9.#aaron_rodgers #taron_johnson #buffalo_bills #green_bay_packers #jim_leonhard
