Bills Offer Key Defensive End to Three Teams for Draft Capital

Buffalo, NY – April 12, 2025

The Buffalo Bills are stirring the offseason pot, offering defensive end A.J. Epenesa to three teams in exchange for draft picks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With new signing Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau’s recent extension, GM Brandon Beane sees Epenesa’s $12 million deal as a chance to bolster Buffalo’s draft haul.

Beane’s proposal—a third-round pick or better—targets teams hungry for pass-rush talent. The Bills, holding pick 30 and 10 selections, want more ammo after trading a third-rounder for Amari Cooper. Epenesa’s youth and upside make him a hot target.

Last season, Epenesa delivered 28 tackles, 4 sacks, and 6 quarterback hits in 16 games. His 2022 breakout showed 6.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. At 27, his 6’6”, 260-pound frame offers power and promise.

Since being drafted in 2022, Epenesa has notched 17 sacks and 25 quarterback hits. Though outshined by Rousseau’s 8.5 sacks last year, he remains a reliable rotational force. Bills fans are split—some urge keeping him, others eye draft gains.

The Carolina Panthers see Epenesa as a fit beside Derrick Brown. With Jadeveon Clowney’s contract expiring, his sacks could spark Bryce Young’s playoff push.

The New Orleans Saints, hit by Derek Carr’s injury, want Epenesa to aid Chase Young. With Cameron Jordan slowing at 35, his energy could lift Kellen Moore’s defense.

The Washington Commanders, thriving with Jayden Daniels, need Epenesa to replace Dante Fowler Jr.’s 8 sacks. He’d maximize Daniels’ rookie deal under Dan Quinn.

A third-round pick could land a playmaker like Missouri’s Luther Burden III. With Bosa’s $10 million deal looming, Beane’s trade gambit could fuel Buffalo’s run game past the Chiefs—or haunt them if Epenesa shines elsewhere.