Should the Bears sign A.J. Epenesa?

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is expected to pursue defensive linemen in unrestricted free agency. More talent is required if Matt Eberflus’ defense is to improve in 2024. Acquiring Montez Sweat was a terrific start, but the Bears still posted a 31st-ranked 30.0 sacks throughout the season. Better depth and production are necessary if Eberflus’ defense is to showcase the growth required to make the Bears NFC North contenders.

One potential target in free agency is Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa.

The No. 54 overall pick out of Iowa in the 2020 NFL Draft, Epenesa hasn’t quite lived up to his second-round billing, but he eventually developed into a quality rotational defender throughout the latter part of his tenure in Buffalo. New Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington spent the past four campaigns (2020-23) as Epenesa’s defensive line coach. Familiarity for coach Washington could bring Epenesa to Chicago.

Epenesa, who attended high school in Edwardsville, Illinois, has quietly developed into a solid NFL defender. Epenesa has recorded 6.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons. He also recorded career-highs in passes defensed (eight) and interceptions (two) this past season, taking advantage of a contract season.

Pro Football Focus credited Epenesa with a career-high 29 pressures in 2023. His pass-rush grade of 75.9 was another personal best for the former Hawkeye.

The Bills have a surplus of defensive line talent, and difficulties against the salary cap make it impossible for them to re-sign all of their impending free agents.

Poles will target a defensive lineman (or multiple) when the legal tampering window opens. We expect Epenesa to appear on Chicago’s shortlist, as he’d give the Bears a quality tag-team partner for Sweat.