Browns Pass on Epenesa, Focus on Edge Help

0:00On March 30, the Cleveland Browns just pulled back from signing defensive end, A.J. Epinessa, after his physical raise and red flags. They were eyeing a one-year deal worth $5 million to boost their past rush, but concerns over his health killed to move. Epinisa had a rough end to last season with Buffalo, nursing a foot injury in December and dealing with a lingering neck problem during the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Browns did lock in Julien Oqara, their former third-round pick who flashed potential here before. This leaves their edge group a bit light opposite star. Miles Garrett, especially after defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stepped down. They brought in Mike Routenberg from Atlanta to tweak the top-ranked scheme that terrorized quarterbacks last year. Right now, Alex Wright and Oqara are holding the fort, with Isaiah McGuire getting a real shot to stick. General manager Andrew Berry reworked Garrett's contract for flexibility. He turned 30 in December, but insists there's no trade talk.

1:00Expect Berry to hunt more edge help in free agency and the draft, including scouting Ohio State's Arville Reese for that sixth overall pick. The Browns stay aggressive, building depth for the long haul.