Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa overcame a slow start to his NFL career to become a valuable member of the team’s defensive line rotation. Now the 26-year-old University of Iowa product is aiming to take his career to the next level.
“Hitting the six-sack mark the past three years has been that consistency, and that’s been good, but this year I’m trying to go for it all,” Epenesa told Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News. “I’m trying to hit double-digit sacks and be as consistent or even better against the run because that’s as hard to stop, that’s as important to stop, as the pass. You’ve got to be able to put them into passing down situations to get sacks in the first place.”
Epenesa has never posted more than 6.5 sacks in a single season. His sixth campaign in the NFL may be his most important, however, as he enters a contract year for a franchise with a Super Bowl-or-bust mindset. His role on defense may also increase with prized free-agent signing Joey Bosa already sidelined by a calf injury.
Bills’ A.J. Epenesa Aiming For Breakout 2025 Season
Epenesa’s NFL Production Through 5 Seasons
Epenesa, a 2020 second-round pick, was trending toward the bust label through two pro seasons. He’d accumulated just 28 total tackles and 2.5 sacks through his first 28 NFL appearances. His lack of impact rushing the passer was a serious concern.
While the Kansas native still isn’t an elite edge-rushing weapon, he’s at least made some progress in that area over the past three years. He’s tallied 19 sacks since the start of the 2022 season. That includes six to go along with a career-high 39 total tackles last year.
CLIP: Is AJ Epenesa a “bust” for the Bills? I don’t think he is at all.
Full EP: https://t.co/L0gLsuxlOF pic.twitter.com/5EXgfgSBO1
— Patrick Moran (Talking Buffalo) (@PatrickMoranTB) May 19, 2025
Here’s the problem, though: Epenesa still has zero sacks in 12 playoff games. He’s not alone in his lack of postseason production. The Bills’ defense as a whole has frequently failed MVP quarterback Josh Allen and the offense. It’s the main reason the team hasn’t reached a Super Bowl during this championship window.
So, regardless of how Epenesa performs during the regular season, his performance in the playoffs will probably be the best indicator of his on-field progress.
Bills Edge Rusher Welcomes Competition
Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane’s actions during the offseason illustrated his understanding of the woes on defense. Along with Bosa, the Bills added three defensive linemen in the draft’s first four rounds (T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson, and Deone Walker). They also signed two other veteran linemen in free agency (Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht), though both subsequently received six-game suspensions.
What does that mean for Epenesa? More competition for playing time, especially once Ogunjobi and Hoecht return midseason. He’s not shying away from the battle for snaps.
“Every year, I love all our young guys and everyone who comes into the team, but the reality of it is people are coming in to try and go for your job,” he told Lysowski. “That’s just the way of the business. That’s how it is. How resilient can you be? How can you adapt? And how can you keep proving yourself and keep showing everyone? That’s how I feel. How do I keep showing them that I care about this, I love this, and my foot is still on the gas?”
Quite simply, Epenesa needs a strong start to the 2025 campaign, or he could find himself buried on the defensive end depth chart by the end of the regular season.
What Do Bills Need From Epenesa in 2025?
The Bills would immediately sign up for a double-digit sack season from Epenesa. That’s especially true if he could add a few more in the playoffs. Whether that’s realistic is up for debate, though. He doesn’t have the explosiveness off the edge typically displayed by the league’s top pass rushers.
More likely, the 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has probably maxed out his sack potential. Anything in the neighborhood of seven sacks would be a welcome sight. As mentioned, getting him to produce in the postseason would provide the team with a much-needed boost, though. That’s where he can improve most.
AJ Epenesa has to be one of the most underrated players on the roster #BillsMafia
pic.twitter.com/hm9eG07aoa— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) May 4, 2025
Epenesa should have no shortage of motivation. The Bills’ limited financial flexibility and crowded defensive line group likely mean he’s ticketed for free agency next offseason. Assuming that’s the case, he’ll want to end his Buffalo tenure on a high note to maximize his earning potential.
A true breakout season would be a win-win outcome for him and Buffalo.
Main Image: Tina Maclntyre – USA Today Sports
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