Buffalo Bills: 4 extensions to work on after Ed Oliver's deal

A.J. Epenesa

The final player that could receive a contract extension this offseason is defensive end A.J. Epenesa. He was the Bills' second round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has had only three starts over three seasons with nine total sacks.

The stats don't jump out and Epenesa has not developed into that starting defensive end that was the expectation when he was drafted in the early rounds. However, the Bills rotate their defensive ends frequently during the game and need three or four defensive ends to implement their game plan.

If the Buffalo Bills view A.J. Epenesa as that third or fourth defensive end that can contribute 30-40% of the snaps over a season, he is a great fit for this defense. He is coming off a career year with 6.5 sacks and 10 QB hits and there is potential there for him to be a player that is on the cusp of breaking out.

The Buffalo Bills would need to work out a contract that would compensate A.J. Epenesa as not necessarily a starter but a key part of the rotation. If the two sides can reach an extension with that in mind, this is a deal that makes a lot of sense.