Browns Lose DE Alex Wright to Achilles Rupture; Sign Derek Barnett for $5.5M

Defensive end Alex Wright is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, prompting the Cleveland Browns to sign veteran Derek Barnett to a one-year contract.

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have placed starting defensive end Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve following a ruptured Achilles sustained during a Thursday joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. To address the roster vacancy, the franchise signed veteran pass rusher Derek Barnett to a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million on Sunday. Wright, 25, suffered the injury while performing a pass rush drill against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown and was subsequently transported from the field on a cart.

This injury occurs less than a year after Wright signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension in November 2025. During the 2025 campaign, the defensive end recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks. The Browns defense had positioned Wright to start opposite two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse, following the blockbuster offseason trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In Wright's absence, fourth-year player Isaiah McGuire is the expected starter; McGuire has totaled 5.5 career sacks over three seasons, including two sacks during the 2025 schedule.

Roster Adjustments and Defensive Statistics

Derek Barnett joins the Cleveland roster after spending last season with the Houston Texans, where he recorded five sacks. The 30-year-old veteran has accumulated 12.5 sacks over three seasons in Houston and notably scored two touchdowns on fumble recoveries during the 2024 season. Before his tenure in Texas, Barnett was a 2017 first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent seven seasons with the Eagles, recording 21.5 sacks and winning a Super Bowl during his rookie year.

During Cleveland's recent preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, third-year defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. earned the start at defensive end and recorded one sack. The Browns had been actively investigating the edge rusher market prior to the Alex Wright injury, hosting veteran free agents Jadeveon Clowney and Za'Darius Smith for visits. However, Clowney chose to sign with the Houston Texans, while Smith joined the Atlanta Falcons.

Practice Details and Contractual Impact

The specific incident that ended Wright's season took place during a one-on-one drill at the Berea facility. The defensive end was attempting to execute a move against Spencer Brown when the Achilles rupture occurred. The official announcement of Wright's move to injured reserve and the signing of Barnett was made by the team on Sunday, following reports from Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.

Barnett’s arrival provides a veteran presence to a defensive line that has seen significant turnover. The unit is currently led by Jared Verse, who remains the primary pass-rushing threat following the departure of Myles Garrett. McGuire, who now steps into a starting role, will look to build upon his 5.5 career sacks as the team prepares for the upcoming regular season without Wright’s projected production on the edge. The Browns continue to adjust their defensive rotation as Hall Jr. demonstrates versatility by taking snaps at the end position despite his primary designation as a defensive tackle.