Epenesa, drafted in the second round in 2020, remains a free agent after a deal with the Cleveland Browns collapsed due to a medical issue found during his physical. With the market reopened, a one-year prove-it contract could be a practical path for both sides.
A FanSided analyst has urged Buffalo to consider re-signing Epenesa, noting his familiarity with the Bills and his track record of producing pressure as a rusher. The decision, however, would hinge on whether head coach and defensive coordinator see him as a good fit for their scheme.
In terms of production, Epenesa is now a rotational edge option who has shown bursts of impact. He totaled 2.5 sacks last season, with his best years coming in 2022 and 2023 when he had 6.5 sacks apiece, and he recorded 6 sacks in 2024.
The Bills’ move to a 3-4 defense under Jim Leonhard means Rousseau would primarily line up as an outside linebacker, with limited but possible coverage responsibilities. Beane has indicated Rousseau’s role would center on edge setting in the outside backer group rather than traditional 3-4 alignments.
Cleveland opted not to finalize the deal with Epenesa after the physical, and he is back on the open market. If Buffalo adds him back into the mix, it would provide veteran depth at edge rusher while the team continues to weigh draft options to reinforce the room.
Overall, a re-signing would align with Buffalo’s aim to strengthen the pass rush while leveraging Rousseau’s positional shift, offering a potentially affordable, veteran complement to a developing group of edge players.
