The Chicago Bears continue to do their due diligence to shore up the roster, and it sounds like they’re finally focusing on edge rusher. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears hosted former Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa for a workout last week.
Epenesa, a former second round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2020, has totaled 24 career sacks in six seasons. Last year, Epenesa totaled 32 tackles, including two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, nine QB hits, two interceptions, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
“That’s evidence that the Bears aren’t sitting around simply wondering how the players on the roster will perform,” wrote Biggs. “I’d probably classify the visit by Epenesa somewhere between interest in adding to the position and performing due diligence on an emergency list.”
Epenesa was set to sign with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $5 million contract back in free agency, but the agreement fell apart after he failed a physical. Now, in late May, Epenesa still remains on the open market.
The Bears are optimistic about Montez Sweat and Austin Booker following their performances last season, and the team will be getting back Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner from injury. Biggs noted that, while the general public isn’t so confident in the current pass rush group, the Bears have more belief.
Right now, it feels like Epenesa could be, as Biggs noted, a “break in case of emergency” potential signing for the Bears heading into the summer.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears recently hosted former second-round edge rusher for workout
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
