The Buffalo Bills did some damage control on the opening day of the legal tampering period, ensuring some of their recently departed defenders returned to Western New York.
In bringing back defensive end A.J. Epenesa and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, the Bills brought back perhaps their two best free agents. Jones, while hurt for much of 2023, was playing at an elite level and Epenesa’s knack for the football continued to show up in big moments.
While general manager Brandon Beane continues to search the discount rack of free agency, details on Epenesa’s contract emerged.
The base contract is a two-year deal worth $12 million, $10.6 million of which is guaranteed.
Epenesa’s contract also includes a $4 million signing bonus, spread over two void years, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. This renders his cap hits at $3.96 million and $6 million in the next two seasons, respectively.
Additionally, his deal includes $4.05 million in incentives for playing time and sacks.
Edge rusher A.J. Epenesa won’t be joining a new team this offseason.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that Epenesa has agreed to a two-year deal to remain with the Bills. The contract has a base value of $7 million in the first season and can be worth up to $20 million.
Epenesa joined the Bills as a 2020 second-round pick and he’s played in 67 regular season and postseason games over his first four seasons. He has 64 tackles, 15.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in the regular season and seven tackles in the playoffs.
The Bills also signed left tackle Dion Dawkins to a new deal on Monday, so they are keeping some members of the band together after releasing several veterans last week.