{"id":425794,"date":"2026-01-20T16:07:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T16:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/425794\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T16:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T16:07:09","slug":"cowboys-predicted-to-sign-buffalo-bills-pass-rusher-in-nfl-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/425794\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboys predicted to sign Buffalo Bills pass rusher in NFL free agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> have to find more talent on the defensive side of the ball.<\/p>\n

While they hope moving on from Matt Eberflus and landing a new defensive coordinator<\/a> will help, they also have several holes to fill. They\u2019re expected to turn to the 2026 NFL draft<\/a>, where they have two picks in Round 1, for help but that won\u2019t be enough.<\/p>\n

MORE: Former Cowboys head coach interviews for opening with hometown team<\/a><\/p>\n

If Dallas wants their new shot-caller on defense to stand any chance, they\u2019re going to have to be more active in free agency than they have been in recent years. Of course, Jerry Jones will continue to shy away from overpriced free agents, but FanSided\u2019s Chris Landers believes he could target someone like A.J. Epenesa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A second-round pick out of Iowa in 2020, Epenesa has played in 91 games for Buffalo and proven to be a valuable rotational defensive end. In six seasons, he has 135 tackles, 24 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not a Pro Bowl option, but Epenesa is strong against the run and can generate pressure off the edge. Throw in a modest price tag and Landers believes he\u2019s a great option for Jones and the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

\u201dEpenesa still has plenty of tools, and on the right day he’ll look like a complete player,\u201d Landers wrote. \u201cDallas is desperate to find something on the edge, and they could take the bet given how relatively little it should cost to sign the Iowa product compared to some other options in free agency.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cowboys could still use top pick in NFL draft on EDGE even with Epenesa\"Buffalo<\/p>\n

Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa celebrates a big third down stop against Pittsburgh. | Shawn Dowd \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/p>\n

Another reason signing Epenesa could make sense is that he wouldn\u2019t alter their plans in the draft. While his presence might prevent them from reaching due to necessity, he\u2019s also not going to keep them from adding a premier talent should one be available at No. 12 overall.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s another reason such a move might be plausible for Dallas this offseason.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u00a0Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter\u00a0<\/a>for more free coverage from\u00a0Dallas Cowboys on SI<\/a>\u00a0\u2014<\/p>\n

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