If the Dallas Cowboys want to get serious about fixing what held them back in 2025, the defense has to be priority No. 1 this offseason. There’s no sugarcoating it - the unit was a major letdown, and it played a central role in Dallas missing the playoffs. The fallout already started with the departure of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, and now the front office has some big decisions to make.
One area that clearly needs attention: edge rusher. The Cowboys need to be aggressive here - think one headline move and at least one solid depth addition.
That second piece might come in the form of a player like A.J. Epenesa, a pending free agent from the Buffalo Bills.
Epenesa isn’t the kind of signing that makes headlines, but he’s the type of addition that can round out a rotation - especially if Dallas is planning a bigger swing elsewhere. According to projections, Epenesa could be looking at a two-year deal in the $18 million range. That’s a manageable investment for a team like Dallas, especially if it’s part of a broader strategy to bolster the pass rush.
Epenesa, a former second-round pick out of Iowa, has had an up-and-down six-year run in Buffalo. He’s shown flashes - 24 career sacks over 91 games, with three seasons of six or more - but consistency has been elusive.
His best years came in 2022 and 2023, when he posted 6.5 sacks in each. But in 2025, his production dipped significantly, finishing with just 2.5 sacks, all of which came in the back half of the season.
That late-season push might keep him on the radar, but it also raises questions about what kind of impact he can really make. Given the down year, it’s possible Epenesa ends up signing a shorter deal than initially projected - maybe even a one-year prove-it contract.
From Buffalo’s perspective, the writing may be on the wall. The Bills are likely in the market for upgrades on the edge, and Epenesa hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. After six seasons, he’s settled into more of a rotational role than a true game-changer, and that could open the door for Dallas to swoop in.
But let’s be clear: if the Cowboys add Epenesa, it should be as part of a larger plan. He’s not the answer on his own.
If Jerry Jones goes out and lands a top-tier edge rusher - whether through free agency or a trade - and then adds Epenesa as a complementary piece, that’s a smart, layered approach. You get a high-ceiling talent to anchor the pass rush and a veteran like Epenesa who can give you quality snaps, especially in a scheme that plays to his strengths.
Surrounding Epenesa with more talent up front could unlock the version of him we’ve only seen in flashes. In the right role, with the right support, there’s a chance he puts together his most productive season yet. It’s not a move that changes the franchise, but it’s one that could quietly pay off - if it’s part of a bigger, bolder plan to rebuild this defense into something that can actually hold up when it matters most.