Overview
- The Chicago Bears brought A.J. Epenesa in for a workout last week as part of routine scouting and contingency planning rather than signaling an immediate signing.
- Epenesa had agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in late March but the contract collapsed after he failed the team’s physical.
- Epenesa is unsigned and on the open market after six seasons in Buffalo, where he totaled roughly 24 career sacks, 53 quarterback hits and played as a regular rotational edge defender.
- Chicago’s existing edge group—led by Montez Sweat and including Austin Booker, Shemar Turner and an expected return of Dayo Odeyingbo from an Achilles tear—means the team would likely view Epenesa as a low-cost, short-term depth option.
- Key factors that will determine whether he signs are medical clearance and price, with the Bears’ roughly $6.46 million in effective cap room making a bargain veteran deal the most realistic outcome.