Bills DE A.J. Epenesa Looking to 'Earn' More Despite Re-Signing in Free Agency

Re-signed with the Buffalo Bills for two years, A.J. Epenesa is looking to expand his horizons.

Financial constraints have forced the Buffalo Bills to get rid of some staples ... so now they're looking for new ones. 

Buffalo replenished its defensive depth this week, getting both A.J. Epenesa and DaQuan Jones back on multi-year deals. While Jones endured injuries that kept him out of 10 games, the new deal serves as a sizable reward for Epenesa's breakout campaign, which saw him add two interceptions and match his prior career-bests with 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

"There's a lot of success out there to be had, and it's hard to leave such a great organization," Epenesa said, per Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site. "They do a lot of things right up there in Buffalo and having a great quarterback like (Josh Allen), it's hard to leave."

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"There's just a lot of great people around there that I've got a lot of good connections with. So, I'm really looking forward to being back."

Some would be sure to include Epenesa in that "great" contingent, as it perhaps speaks volumes that he's considered a depth star despite two consecutive solid seasons. Since arriving as a second-round pick out of Iowa in 2020, Epenesa has been credited with only four official starts, though his snap counts have gradually increased. 

With that in mind, Epenesa has set a modest yet admirable goal for the upcoming campaign, seeking to see his name atop the depth chart and lineup cards come September.

"I want to earn a starting spot on the defensive line and continue progressing my game with stats, whether that be more sacks, more snaps, and just overall production," Epenesa said in Glab's report "So, I'm ready for more, and I'm looking forward to taking on more responsibilities."

Bills Re-Signing A.J. Epenesa as Leonard Floyd Departs

New contract aside, the state of the Bills offers Epenesa a chance to make a new first impression: Buffalo is set to go into the new year with Bobby Babich as its new defensive coordinator while defensive line assistant Marcus West has earned the promotion to the full-time spot.