The Cleveland Browns have withdrawn from a contract agreement with free agent pass rusher A.J. Epenesa following concerns from his physical examination. Epenesa, who anticipated a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, will return to free agency. This incident echoes a similar failed deal in the AFC North last month involving Maxx Crosby.
Cleveland Browns officials grew uncomfortable with findings from A.J. Epenesa's physical, halting plans for a one-year contract potentially worth $5 million, according to ESPN. The former Buffalo Bills defender, a second-round pick out of Iowa, missed only one game last season while posting 32 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, four passes defensed and two interceptions. Over 91 career games with 19 starts, Epenesa has recorded 24 sacks and now seeks opportunities elsewhere in free agency. The situation recalls the Baltimore Ravens' decision last month to abandon a trade for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby after his physical revealed concerns about a degenerative knee issue, beyond a known meniscus repair. The Raiders announced on March 10 that Baltimore had backed out of the agreement, which involved two first-round picks. Speculation arose of buyer's remorse, particularly after the Ravens quickly signed Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. Crosby described an awkward meeting with Ravens coach Jesse Minter and general manager Eric DeCosta on his podcast, noting off energy and a blank face from Minter. DeCosta later explained, 'We were really excited about adding Maxx... but we were not able to complete the process... based on our assessment of the situation.' Crosby's agent and surgeon maintain he remains on track for full recovery. These cases underscore that no NFL transaction—trade or signing—is finalized until the player passes a physical with the new team.
