The Chicago Bears are continuing their offseason efforts to deepen their defensive line by hosting veteran defensive end A.J. Epenesa for a workout during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). According to multiple reports, including Chris Emma of ProFootballTalk, the Bears brought Epenesa in for an evaluation last week as general manager Ryan Poles explores options to bolster the edge rushing rotation.
With the majority of NFL rosters shaped heading into summer breaks, the Bears remain vigilant in the veteran free-agent market, particularly along the defensive front. The workout signals Chicago's interest in adding experience and depth as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Epenesa's Profile and Potential Fit
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing approximately 260 pounds, A.J. Epenesa offers a prototype frame suited to a 4-3 defensive end role, which aligns well with the scheme employed by new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Drafted in the second round (54th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills out of Iowa, Epenesa has spent six NFL seasons carving out a role as a rotational pass rusher.
Epenesa's most productive season came in 2023 with Buffalo, where he accumulated 6.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble behind established starters like Greg Rousseau and Von Miller. He followed that with a 2024 campaign tallying four sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. Over his career, he has appeared in 80 games with totals of 15.5 sacks and 38 quarterback hits.
His versatility to set the edge against the run, pursue from backside angles, and occasionally kick inside on passing downs could provide Dennis Allen valuable flexibility. Allen's defensive philosophy has historically emphasized length, power, and adaptability from his defensive ends, attributes Epenesa exhibits.
Depth Situation at Defensive End
Chicago boasts one of the NFC North's most dynamic edge rushers in Montez Sweat, who anchors the defensive line as the team's highest-paid defensive player. The Bears enhanced their defensive front this offseason by adding Dayo Odeyingbo, a versatile veteran who can play both inside and outside.
Behind these starters, the depth chart features young players and developmental prospects. Fifth-round third-year Austin Booker showed promise in his first year, while Daniel Hardy, Jamree Kromah, Jonathan Garvin, and Jeremiah Martin provide rotational depth but lack consistent pass-rush production. Adding someone with Epenesa's experience would provide a veteran safety net and stabilize the rotation, particularly important in a 17-game NFL season.
Ryan Poles' Competitive Roster-Building Approach
Since his appointment in 2022, general manager Ryan Poles has prioritized competition across every position group. Every roster spot is earned, and no incumbent is guaranteed a job without meaningful competition. Bringing in Epenesa for a workout is consistent with Poles' continuous tinkering philosophy aimed at improving the Bears' roster and building a contender.
Earlier in the offseason, the Bears revamped their offensive line with key free-agent signings--Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Garrett Bradbury--while fortifying the defense with additions like Grady Jarrett and safety Coby Bryant. The defensive line remains the area most in flux, and Poles appears unwilling to settle without ensuring adequate depth and proven experience.
How Dennis Allen Could Deploy Epenesa
Dennis Allen's defenses emphasize disciplined edge-setting and power rushes rather than pure speed off the edge. His previous work with pass rushers like Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport in New Orleans showed a preference for length and leverage-focused defenders. Epenesa's game aligns with that mold, relying on technique and reach rather than elite athleticism.
In passing situations, Allen has traditionally moved ends inside as standup defensive tackles in sub-packages to create mismatches. While Epenesa has some experience in this role, his primary value would likely be as a base defensive end who can rotate in on passing downs to keep starters fresh.
Financial and Roster Considerations
Epenesa is reportedly a low-cost veteran option. He was on a one-year, $5.1 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 2025 before hitting free agency this offseason. Given his veteran presence and production, he could be signed on a veteran minimum or modest deal, fitting nicely into the Bears' roughly $12 million salary cap space.
Adding Epenesa would provide insurance for the edge position without a significant financial burden, an appealing prospect for a team balancing veteran talent and developmental youth.
Possible Challenges and Outlook
It is important to note that working out for a team does not guarantee a signing. The Bears may be assessing Epenesa's health and fit, or simply gathering information as part of their due diligence. The current defensive end room, though thin behind the starters, could develop through young players such as Booker or rely on Odeyingbo to produce as hoped.
Additionally, the Bears must eventually trim their offseason roster from 90 players down to 53 for the regular season. Adding a veteran like Epenesa would likely necessitate cutting a younger player, a decision that involves potential risk to player development.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears conducting a workout for A.J. Epenesa highlights the front office's ongoing commitment to strengthening the defensive line. While a formal signing is not guaranteed, the move underscores that Ryan Poles and the coaching staff do not view the current depth as sufficient.
With promising young talent on offense and a core defensive group mostly set, the defensive end depth remains a work in progress. Epenesa offers experience, versatility, and proven production that could solidify the rotation behind star pass rushers Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
Whether Epenesa ultimately joins the Bears or not, this workout reflects a roster construction philosophy focused on competitiveness, depth, and continuous improvement as Chicago aims to build a playoff contender in the coming season.