The Cleveland Browns faced a significant setback on their defensive line when starting defensive end Alex Wright suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason. Wright was carted off the practice field following a one-on-one drill, and subsequent reports confirmed he sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon that will keep him sidelined for the entire season.
To address the void created by Wright’s absence, the Browns moved quickly to strengthen their pass rush by signing Derek Barnett, a former first-round pick who has spent the last three seasons with the Houston Texans. Barnett brings nine seasons of NFL experience to Cleveland, having accumulated 34 career sacks along with numerous tackles for loss and quarterback hits. The veteran defensive end signed a one-year contract with the franchise worth up to $5.5 million.
Wright was entering his fifth season after being selected in the third round of the 2022 draft. During his tenure with the Browns, he recorded 11.5 sacks across 51 games, including 5.5 last season. The loss of a starting defensive end prompted the organization’s pursuit of additional pass-rush help, following failed attempts to acquire other veteran defenders including Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith.
General Manager Andrew Berry is expected to continue evaluating available edge defenders as the team prepares for its 53-man roster reduction, recognizing that the defensive line remains an area requiring strengthening before the regular season begins.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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