After spending his entirety with the team, the Buffalo Bills could trade former second-round pick AJ Epenesa before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, even though free-agent acquisition Joey Bosa is out with injury, the idea of trading Epenesa still remains. After extending Greg Rousseau and drafting Landon Jackson, there isn’t a lot of room for Epenesa to excel in this defensive unit, either way. Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Iowa product has been a solid contributor in Buffalo’s defense, which is why they saw a ton of success getting after the quarterback.
However, Epenesa isn’t the most explosive or game-changing defensive end in this league. This is why the source thinks a trade will happen since Epenesa has failed to top at least seven sacks or over 20 tackles in one campaign in his career. Now, it would be time to see if they can get some worthy draft capital for what Epenesa can provide. It won’t be the greatest return, but it’s worth the risk since there are several teams out there always looking for a rotational pass-rusher or dominant edge-rusher.
It looks like Epenesa is more of a rotation guy, which wouldn’t be an issue as he enters the final year of his contract. This would intrigue teams looking for an answer, and these four teams could take advantage of his contract and trade for him.
Report: Bills Could Trade Former Second Rounder AJ Epenesa – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers finally have two solid defensive linemen in their trenches unit after acquiring Tershawn Wharton this offseason’s free agency. Derrick Brown will be back, but they shouldn’t rush him for full-time duties. After spending the last two offseasons rebuilding their offense, the Panthers should continue to mortgage their future on the defense to give them a fighting chance, and trading for Epenesa could relieve Brown as a backup.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will likely be more reliant on their defense this upcoming season since they don’t have a proven quarterback who can lead this offense. Despite extending Chase Young and trading for Davon Godchaux, the Saints could use more work in the unit. Bryan Breese and Khaulen Sanders haven’t been able to replicate the same explosiveness that veteran Cameron Jordan continues to show. With Jordan aging, the Saints could find a way to compensate Epenesa in his final year of his deal and give this unit a boost.
Washington Commanders
However, no one should doubt the Commanders from making moves again as they’re going to be all about buying rather than selling. Despite that, the team just lost Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason to their bitter rival, the Cowboys, so they need someone other than free-agent acquisition Deatrich Wise Jr. to rotate the snaps. Wise hasn’t been phenomenal, and the same can be said about Epenesa, but these two coming together on that defensive line that shares Daron Payne and Dorance Armstrong, the team could be in serious business.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody loves winning football games in the trenches more than Jim Harbaugh, but they’ve yet to show that energy this free agency. Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia won’t single-handedly help Teair Tart and Khalil Mack in the pass-rush. Both are unproven and could use a temporary upgrade like Epenesa, even though the Bills would never trade to another close AFC team.
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