The Seattle Seahawks lost some key defensive pieces in free agency, hoping the depth already on the roster can offset what is leaving. The team might have a surprise opportunity, however, after the Cleveland Browns backed out of an agreement with Buffalo Bills edge rusher AJ Epenesa.
Cleveland cited concerns from the requisite physical that Epenesa needs to pass to finalize the one-year deal. No details were announced from the "failed" physical, but that wouldn't be expected. What is known is that the edge rusher had several injuries this past season.
He suffered a concussion, had a foot issue, and then a neck problem. None of these were expected to be long-term problems, though, and which, if any, was an issue for the Browns will likely never be known.
Seattle Seahawks could be interested in AJ Epenesa as he is back on the free agent market
Epenesa isn't the first well-known edge rusher to have a failed physical after a move to a new team appeared to be all but done. After the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, the latter wasn't happy with the results from Maxx Crosby's physical. He had recently had knee surgery, and that was his only real health concern.
Cleveland passing AJ Epenesa clearly puts him back on the free agent market, and likely lower than what he was expected to sign for with the Browns. That was for one season and only $5 million. The player is only 27 years old, so, assuming he can stay healthy, he should have a number of years to be a quality backup (or starter for some teams).
If he were to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, who have $33,227,183 in cap room left this offseason, according to Over the Cap, he would be expected to be part of a rotation that includes Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Derick Hall. Epenesa wouldn't be expected to be a true replacement for Boye Mafe, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.
Still, the edge rusher, who hasn't missed more than two games in any season since 2022, would provide some consistent pass rush. What he wouldn't do is replace Mafe's ability to play the run well. Epenesa is more of a one-trick pony in that he pressures quarterbacks, but is more of a rotational third-down piece who won't set a hard edge against the run.
That doesn't mean he isn't worth a $5 million deal for a season, and see if Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald can mold the edge rusher into a high-end performer. He's done that with many players, and AJ Epenesa could be the next.