Andrew Buller-Russ
The bulk of roster work is done. Most players added at this stage won’t earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro accolades, but that doesn’t mean teams like the Chicago Bears can’t still improve.
One area where the Bears still have room for improvement is along the defensive front, specifically the front seven. Aside from Montez Sweat, who recorded 10 sacks in 2025, the Bears don’t have many proven pass-rushers. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was next in line with six sacks last season.
In other words, the Bears could use some help. They didn’t sign any edge rushers in free agency, nor did they draft any. Chicago’s expectations are that the Bears will improve from within, but that may not be enough.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune‘s Brad Biggs revealed that the Bears put defensive end A.J. Epenesa through a workout sometime last week. He left without a contract.
Oddly enough, Epenesa already agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason. But the deal was torn up once he failed Cleveland’s sports physical. Epenesa also worked out for the Miami Dolphins in April, but again, left without a contract.
The 27-year-old pass-rusher arrived as the 54th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Iowa. Now 27 years old, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound lineman has started 19 of 91 appearances with the Bills in his six-year career.
Epenesa compiled 2.5 sacks in two starts and 16 appearances with Buffalo last season. Prior to that, he posted three consecutive seasons with six or more sacks. While he may still be trying to get back to full health, Epenesa is likely motivated to show he’s capable of much more after a down year in 2025.
Related: Chicago Bears Insider Believes Team is ‘Gambling’ With Their ‘Weakest Link’
