Eagles newcomers ’26: Where does former Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa fit into the pass rushing picture?

With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.

Player: A.J. Epenesa

Position: Defensive end

Age: 27

Previous experience: Epenesa is a veteran defensive end who spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo selected him in the second round (54th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. A five-star prospect out of high school, Epenesa played college ball at Iowa. He was the highest-rated recruit to play under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

The 27-year-old was mostly a rotational piece on Buffalo’s defensive line, but he made the most of his role. His best season came in 2022, when he logged a career-best 6½ sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 14 quarterback pressures and 16 tackles. He initially signed with the Browns this offseason, though Cleveland eventually called off the deal because of a failed physical. The Eagles signed him on June 10.

Eagles' newcomers '26

Whether a 2026 draft choice, a veteran addition, or a rookie free-agent hopeful, we’re telling you more about each player’s potential role this season. We’re rolling out two players per day in a mostly unscientific order that balances offense and defense, bigger names with mysteries, and locks with longer shots to be chosen for the 53-man roster.

• QB Andy Dalton, DB Kapena Gushiken
• LB Arnold Ekibetie, OL Jaedan Roberts
• WR Elijah Moore, RB Dameon Pierce
• T Markel Bell, EDGE Joshua Weru
• G Michael Jordan, LS Rocco Underwood
• TE Eli Stowers, S Maximus Pulley
• LB Jonathan Greenard, T John Ojukwu
• TE Stone Smartt, LB Deontae Lawson
• TE Johnny Mundt, DE Ta'Quon Graham
• S Cole Wisniewski, RB Elijah Mitchell
• WR Makai Lemon, CB Shaun Wade
• CB Jonathan Jones, WR Samori Touré

Path to a roster spot: Boasting a decent NFL resumé as a situational pass rusher, Epenesa has a strong chance to make the 53-man roster if he stays healthy. He likely won’t start a game this season — which is a testament to Philadelphia’s loaded edge rusher corps, made up of Jonathan Greenard, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt and Arnold Ebiketie — but don’t be surprised if he turns into a key cog on Vic Fangio’s defensive line.

Fun fact: Epenesa’s father, who also played at Iowa, is named “Epenesa Epensa.” His nickname is “Eppy.”

Quotable: “We had some battles,” five-time Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs, Epensa’s teammate at Iowa, said of the defensive end. “When I met with the Broncos, they said a scout was there [at Iowa’s practice] and I didn’t lose to A.J. So I said, ‘I’m glad you were there on that day.’"

Player: Micah Morris

Position: Guard

Age: 22

Previous experience: The Eagles selected Morris in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2026 NFL draft. He played collegiately at Georgia, where he initially struggled to climb the depth chart until morphing into the starting left guard. At Georgia, he was teammates with current Eagles defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

Path to a roster spot: The Eagles drafted Morris because they needed interior offensive line depth. Landon Dickerson is a guaranteed starter, but he’s battled multiple injuries in recent years. Fellow starting guard Tyler Steen has just one year of starting experience on his resumé. The depth pieces behind them are green. Morris will likely make the roster — and he might even see some action, if Philadelphia’s injury woes persist.

Fun fact: Morris, who stands at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, earned a spot on The Athletic’s “Freaks” list last season for his weightlifting prowess. According to The Athletic, Morris has done two reps on the bench of 420 pounds and squatted 505 for a double.

Quotable: “The first time I tried to sit down a Jordan Davis bull rush, that’s when I realized this was not high school ball,” Morris said before the Eagles’ two-day rookie camp. “My feet were planted, but I was sliding backward.”