Browns restructure edge after Wright’s Achilles rupture ends season
Cleveland signs veteran Derek Barnett to a one-year deal as starting defensive end Alex Wright is placed on injured reserve following a practice injury.
The Cleveland Browns have restructured their defensive line after placing starting defensive end Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve. Wright sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon during a joint practice session with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, according to sources cited by ESPN. The 25-year-old was removed from the session on a cart after suffering the injury while attempting a pass rush against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown in a one-on-one drill.
To address the vacancy, the Browns signed veteran defensive end Derek Barnett to a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million. The move follows a period of uncertainty for the franchise, which had been seeking to establish a new identity at the edge following the blockbuster trade of Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Wright, who had signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension in November, was expected to step up opposite two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse.
Barnett, 30, brings significant experience to the roster after playing for the Houston Texans last season, where he recorded five sacks. The 2017 first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles accumulated 21.5 sacks over seven seasons with the franchise, including a Super Bowl victory in his rookie year. He also recorded 12.5 sacks over three seasons in Houston and scored two touchdowns on fumble recoveries in 2024.
The signing comes after Cleveland explored other options in the free agency market. The Browns hosted Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith on visits in recent weeks, but both veterans ultimately signed with other teams; Clowney joined the Texans, while Smith opted for the Atlanta Falcons. With Wright sidelined, Isaiah McGuire is expected to start opposite Verse. McGuire has recorded 5.5 career sacks over three seasons, including two sacks in 2025.
The injury to Wright disrupts the Browns’ defensive plans ahead of the regular season. In the team’s preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday, third-year defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. started at defensive end and recorded a sack. The roster adjustments highlight the challenges of rebuilding a pass rush unit after losing a key player to injury.
The Browns’ decision to sign Barnett reflects a pragmatic approach to filling an immediate need. While the contract is described as worth up to $5.5 million, suggesting potential performance incentives, the move provides the team with a proven pass rusher. The franchise will now look to integrate Barnett into the defensive scheme as it prepares for the upcoming season.
