Edwardsville Grad A.J. Epenesa Joins Philadelphia Eagles NFL Roster
Philadelphia added the former Bills edge rusher after practice Wednesday as minicamp roster changes continued. The move brings a proven pass rusher with six NFL seasons into the mix.
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles signed edge rusher A.J. Epenesa, an Edwardsville native, and offensive guard Michael Jordan on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, after the second day of the team’s mandatory minicamp, while waiving linebackers Chandler Martin and Isiah King and releasing edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the reserve/retired list.
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The moves were announced shortly after practice in Philadelphia as the Eagles continued adjusting their roster during minicamp.
Epenesa, 27, joins Philadelphia after spending six seasons with the Buffalo Bills, who selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft with the No. 54 overall pick, one selection after Jalen Hurts.
A free agent, Epenesa had appeared to have a deal with the Cleveland Browns, but after that fell through, the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears courted him before he landed with the Eagles.
Last season, Epenesa dealt with several injuries, including a concussion, a pectoral injury, a foot injury, and a neck issue. However, despite the injuries, he still played in 16 games in 2025.
Over six seasons with Buffalo, Epenesa recorded 135 total tackles, 53 quarterback hits, 24 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He also contributed on special teams throughout his career and is expected to continue that with Philadelphia.
The Eagles finished 11-6 in 2025.
Before entering the NFL, Epenesa played at Iowa, where he finished tied for fourth on the program’s career sacks list after three seasons. After a junior season with 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 49 tackles, he announced he would forgo his senior year and declare for the 2020 NFL draft.
Epenesa Was Three-Sport Standout Athlete At EHS
At Edwardsville High School, Epenesa competed in football, basketball, and track and field. He was a high school All-American in football and track and field and won Illinois state titles in discus as a junior and senior. He also earned all-state basketball honors in his junior and senior seasons.
More About the Michael Jordan of the NFL
The Eagles also signed Michael Jordan as part of Wednesday’s roster moves.
Jordan is a professional offensive lineman who entered the NFL in 2019. Drafted out of Ohio State in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Bengals, he established himself as a versatile interior lineman with career stints across multiple franchises. Both Epenesa and Jordan should play pivotal roles for the Eagles' defense in 2016.
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