Projecting AJ Epenesa’s 2024 Buffalo Bills Stats

If there’s one player who has taken a big step forward over the last two seasons for the Bills, it’s defensive end AJ Epenesa. Drafted by Iowa in the second round in 2020, Epenesa has grown as a player since his first two seasons. Coming into 2021, it looked like Epenesa was going to be a bust for the Bills. Heading into 2022, Epenesa had a lot of pressure on himself. He had set a career-high in sacks with 6.5 along with 10 QB hits. Epenesa essentially repeated his production from 2022 to 2023, but he had more of a presence when it came to creating pressure.

His production over the last two seasons has shown Bills fans that he is a solid rotational pass rusher. He has only started four games in his career. However, with the system and players the Bills have on the defensive line, Epenesa does not need to be a starter right away.

After signing a two-year contract extension before free agency, Epenesa returns to the Bills to lead the defense and help a defense that is under the direction of new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. In a room with Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, Kameron Cline, Kingsley Jonathan, Casey Toohill and Dawuane Smoot, Epenesa not only has upside as a first-rotation player, but there is even a slight chance that Epenesa could potentially be a starter. Given how Miller performed last year after returning from his torn ACL, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Epenesa get the start in Miller’s place.

With Leonard Floyd leaving Buffalo, Epenesa could see his playing time increase. He played over 50% of the defensive snaps in just three total games last year.

Bills fans will want to see if Epenesa can continue to improve his game next season, or if he has reached his ceiling. Either way, as long as Epenesa continues to provide consistent pressure, he will be a big factor for this defense.