Cleveland Browns Rescind AJ Epenesa Contract Offer After Medical Review

A Sunday report confirms that the Cleveland Browns have backed out of a deal with veteran defensive end AJ Epenesa due to concerns raised during his physical.

The Cleveland Browns officially halted the acquisition of AJ Epenesa on Sunday after team medical personnel flagged issues during a standard physical examination. According to a source cited by ESPN, the organization decided against finalizing the contract with the veteran defensive end, despite a previous verbal agreement between the two parties. This sudden reversal leaves the AFC North franchise without a projected addition to their defensive front as they move into the next phase of the offseason.

Every standard NFL contract contains a clause making the deal contingent upon the successful completion of a health assessment. In this specific instance, the results of the evaluation performed by the Cleveland staff created enough internal discomfort to void the transaction entirely. The veteran pass rusher, who was expected to provide depth on the edge, will not be added to the official roster or participate in upcoming team activities. This decision was communicated on Sunday, effectively ending any immediate path for the player to join the Browns' defensive rotation.

By choosing not to sign the former second-round pick, the front office preserves a roster spot and salary cap flexibility that would have been occupied by the defender. The medical staff’s findings served as the primary catalyst for the collapse of the deal, as the team prioritized long-term physical durability over the initial scouting report. Consequently, the defensive end remains an unrestricted free agent, permitted to negotiate with any of the other 31 franchises in the league. The Browns' leadership has not released specific details regarding the nature of the medical concern, adhering to standard privacy protocols for player evaluations.

This development forces the Cleveland scouting department to recalibrate their search for defensive line reinforcements. The Sunday update confirms that the previously reported terms are now nullified, and no paperwork will be filed with the league office to formalize the pairing. While the veteran had been linked to the team throughout the week, the physical examination serves as the final gatekeeper in the signing process, and in this case, it proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. The organization will now look toward other available free agents or potential draft targets to bolster their pass-rushing unit.

The timing of the failed physical is significant as it occurs while several other veteran edge rushers remain on the open market. The Browns’ decision to walk away suggests a high threshold for medical clearance within the current regime's roster-building philosophy. AJ Epenesa must now undergo further evaluations or seek a different team willing to accept his current health profile. For Cleveland, the focus shifts to maintaining a healthy depth chart, ensuring that every signed athlete can contribute immediately without the risk of pre-existing conditions hampering their availability during the grueling regular season schedule.