With the low-risk free agent addition of former Buffalo Bills edge rusher A.J. Epenesa, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman may have landed more than merely a depth piece.
The former Iowa Hawkeye and Buffalo Bill arrives with a strong pedigree, a toughness and tenacity in both the run and passing phases, and a track record that suggests he will get on the field in some big spots this coming season. Speaking on Sports Radio 94 WIP, Ross Tucker discussed what the relatively quiet move adds to the equation for Philadelphia's defense.
"I always thought he (Epenesa) was a really good number 3 edge guy for the Bills the last four or five years," Tucker said. "He was drafted in the second round for a reason, former 5 star out of Iowa, Epenesa was a pretty good 3 in Buffalo, and he's competing to be the 5 here."
More size arrives for the Eagles' edge unit for 2026
From a depth perspective, given his price tag, Epenesa could fast become a bargain. As Tucker noted, he proved his mettle in some key spots for Buffalo after arriving by way of his second-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With defensive coordinator Vic Fangio rotating edge talent early and often, Epenesa can potentially push fellow free agent addition Arnold Ebiketie for more snaps behind the trio of Jalyx Hunt, Jonathan Greenard, and Nolan Smith.
While Ebiketie brings more speed and quickness to the position, the size of Epenesa (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) offers more physicality in the ground game, so it's possible he could sometimes be paired with the rugged Greenard on early and more obvious run downs as well.
Epenesa arrives with plenty of upside to make an impact for this edge unit. Still just 27 years old, prior to a down season production-wise in 2025 (2.5 sacks), Epenesa registered six or more sacks in each of the three previous seasons.
Read more: Lane Johnson got brutally honest about reason he returned to Eagles in 2026
He can make plays, and if people aren't talking much about the move, that's just fine for Roseman and company. Production matters most, and Epenesa has the pedigree to climb the depth chart and produce in Philadelphia.
Add us as a preferred source on Google