The Minnesota Vikings already have Jonathan Greenard’s replacement on the roster in former first-round pick Dallas Turner, but they don’t yet have an appropriate stable of players to fill out the necessary depth across the premier position group.
Turner’s elevation to the starting lineup alongside Andrew Van Ginkel leaves a Turner-sized roster gap in the No. 3 edge-rushing slot that former Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa could potentially fill nicely next season.
Epenesa, who turns 28 years old in September, spent the first six years of his NFL career in Buffalo where he tallied 53 QB hits, 29 tackles for loss and 24 sacks across 91 games played (19 starts).
Browns Withdrew Offer to AJ Epenesa in March After Failed Physical
GettyFormer Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa.
The concern Minnesota should have with Epenesa as a candidate in free agency is a decision by the Cleveland Browns in late March to pull a $5 million contract offer to Epenesa for the 2026 season due to a failed physical.
“The Browns had agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with Epenesa on March 18, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter at the time,” Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reported. “Epenesa visited the Browns’ facility … but the deal was not finalized.”
Epenesa’s specific medical issue remains unknown, as the league does not require either the Browns or Epenesa to disclose its nature publicly during the offseason.
That said, the former Bills defensive end was dealing with a neck injury in January but played for Buffalo during its postseason run to the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs, where the Bills lost to the Denver Broncos.
AJ Epenesa Quality Pass-Rusher, Well Below-Average Run Defender
GettyFormer Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa.
Epenesa’s advanced metrics paint the picture of a pass-rush specialist and high-end reserve player who can fill Minnesota’s need to create quarterback pressure off the edge, assuming he is healthy enough to remain in the rotation.
Pro Football Focus afforded Epenesa the 63rd-best pass-rush grade out of 115 players who saw enough snaps at the position to qualify last season — so just below league average. However, he was 105th out of 115 edges against the run in 2025, which means whatever defense he plays for next season will do its best to keep Epenesa on the sidelines for as many run-likely downs as possible.
Spotrac projects Epenesa’s market value at just shy of $13 million total over a new two-year contract, though his willingness to ink a one-year deal in Cleveland for $5 million, plus his subsequent health concerns, indicate that Minnesota could likely get strong value on a short-term deal. Epenesa has earned just shy of $21 million over the course of his career.
The passage of time and subsequent medical treatment since his failed physical in Cleveland may impact Epenesa’s health status in the weeks and months ahead, which could render the Browns’ previous concerns non-existent for a new suitor as training camps approach this summer.
If Epenesa isn’t healthy enough to prove worth the risk, the Vikings could look at veteran options like Jadeveon Clowney and Von Miller who remain available in free agency as of late April.
Vikings Strong Fit for $21 Million Edge as Jonathan Greenard Successor