Buffalo has lost Leonard Floyd in the early going of the negotiating window, but the team will still have A.J. Epenesa moving forward. The latter has agreed to a two-year deal with Buffalo, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. Epenesa will see $7MM in 2024 and could earn up to $20MM over the life of the pact, per Garafolo.
The 2020 second-round pick hit free agency after completing his rookie contract. The defensive end has spent his entire four-year career in Buffalo.
Epenesa hasn’t emerged into a starter in Buffalo, but he’s still served as an important member of the defensive line. The pass rusher has finished each of the past two seasons with 6.5 sacks while getting into about 40 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
The 25-year-old finished this past season ranked 31st among 112th qualifying edge rushers, per Pro Football Focus. The site also gave him one of the highest positional grades for his coverage ability, although he also earned one of the lowest grades for his run defense.
With Floyd now out of the picture, the Bills can temporarily pencil Epenesa in opposite Greg Rousseau on the defensive line. Still, the team will surely look for another body to soak up some of those departed snaps, especially with Shaq Lawson also hitting free agency.
Good news. I liked the way he stepped up these past couple of seasons, especially after the devastating loss of Milano.
Yeeeeah!