The Green Bay Packers were relatively quiet in NFL free agency this offseason, with general manager Brian Gutekunst looking to preserve compensatory selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. Now that that is no longer a factor, the team is being linked to a potential role player who is still available.
ESPN's Matt Bowen reports the Packers are the best fit for free-agent edge rusher AJ Epenesa.
"The Packers lost rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the Jets in free agency, so the team could add his replacement in Epenesa. He's a long, powerful mover who can break the edge with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also make disruptive plays under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, as he recorded 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six seasons with the Bills. Are."
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Once the 2026 NFL Draft concludes, free-agent signings have no impact on the compensation formula for the 2027 NFL Draft. That's why Green Bay wasted little time in signing veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
There are still obvious areas for improvement on the Packers' roster. Green Bay could use an in-line blocking tight end to pair with Tucker Craft, depth at running back is an issue due to Marshon Lloyd's durability issues, and depth at nose tackle is still needed.
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6-foot-6 edge rusher Epenesa has been a rotational player for most of his career. Last season, he played 438 snaps for the Buffalo Bills, and he played less than 50 percent of the team's defensive snaps in five of his six seasons in the NFL.
In 2025, Epenesa recorded 12 pressures, 9 quarterback hits and 17 solo tackles with 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 16 games. Epenesa, who turns 28 in September, earned a 48.6 PFF run-blocking grade along with a 63.5 pass-rushing grade in 2025.
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With All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons likely to miss the first four games of the season recovering from ACL surgery, pass-rushing depth is essential. Signing Epenesa would allow Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to rotate him with Carl Brooks, Lucas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr. and Barry Sorrell.
Realistically, any veteran Green Bay signs in NFL free agency at this point will be landing a one-year contract. Beyond Epenesa, there are also options like Derek Barnett, Dante Fowler Jr., Brandon Graham, and Haason Redick.
