The Green Bay Packers are in a bit of a bind with their pass rush unit as the new season approaches. With Micah Parsons sidelined for the first few games, the pressure is on for the relatively untested trio of Lukas Van Ness, Collin Oliver, and Barryn Sorrell to step up. The Packers could certainly use a seasoned veteran to bridge the gap, and it looks like AJ Epenesa might just be the perfect fit.
Epenesa, a free-agent defensive end, unexpectedly found himself back on the market after a deal with the Cleveland Browns fell through due to concerns over his physical. This twist opens up an opportunity for the Packers to potentially snag Epenesa at a bargain, which could be a game-changer for their defense.
With Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare no longer in the picture, the Packers are staring at a significant void-1,121 defensive snaps to be precise. While Sorrell and Oliver are part of the solution, Epenesa could be the key piece they need. His connection with Bobby Babich, Green Bay’s secondary/defensive pass game coordinator who coached him in Buffalo, could help smooth any concerns the Packers might have.
Epenesa’s 2025 season with the Bills wasn’t his finest, with only two starts compared to 13 in 2024. Yet, he still managed to rack up nine quarterback hits, four pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and two interceptions. His 28 pressures, despite playing fewer snaps, highlight his potential impact.
Historically, Epenesa has shown he can deliver, with three consecutive seasons of six or more sacks before last year. At 6'6" and 260 lbs., he fits well into a Jonathan Gannon-style 3-4 defense, offering the size and skill set the Packers could use.
Van Ness, another Iowa alum like Epenesa, shares similar physical attributes but lacks the same level of production. With Gary and Enagbare out, adding a player like Epenesa on a one-year deal could be a smart, low-risk move.
If it doesn’t work out, Green Bay can move on. But if it does, the Packers' defense could be in a strong position once Parsons is back in action.