This story has been updated with new information, including official announcement.
CLEVELAND ― The Browns didn’t get the news they hoped for about defensive end Alex Wright’s leg injury.
The team is placing Wright on the injured reserve list with a season-ending ruptured Achilles, the team officially announced Aug. 23. He sustained the injury during a one-on-one drill against a Buffalo Bills offensive lineman during the teams’ joint practice on Aug. 20.
To fill Wright’s void, the Browns are signing former Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett, the team also announced. Barnett spent the last 2½ seasons with the Texans and has 34 career sacks in 112 games.
It’s another injury setback for both Wright and the Browns defensive line. Wright missed the final 13 games of the 2024 season with a torn triceps.
Subscribe to Browns Insider newsletter
The defensive line, meanwhile, has been riddled with injuries, especially at defensive tackle. However, defensive end has been a spot at which the Browns have been actively trying to find veteran help even before they traded away Myles Garrett.
The Browns reportedly hoped to sign veteran Za’Darius Smith, but he spurned them to reunite with former coach Kevin Stefanski and the Atlanta Falcons. An attempt to sign A.J. Epenesa was thwarted because of an issue with his physical after he initially agreed to a contract.
They also failed to sign Jadeveon Clowney earlier this month. Instead, he signed with the Houston Texans.
Cleveland Browns defensive end depth chart
The signing of Barnett doesn’t preclude further, and likely, additions to the defensive end group. Julian Okwara, a six-year veteran who’s 28, and 27-year-old fourth-year pro Benton Whitley are the only players other than Barnett who are over the age of 25.
The Browns defensive end group looks like this with Barnett’s addition, listed by experience:
Alex Wright stats
Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Browns, Wright is coming off arguably the best season of his career. In 2025 he had 37 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. He played in 14 games, starting nine.
Alex Wright contract
The Browns and Wright agreed to a three-year contract extension in November. The $33 million contract extension includes $21 million guaranteed.
Derek Barnett stats
Barnett was the No. 14 overall pick by the Eagles in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. He played 73 games with Philadelphia from 2017-23, recording 21.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, 73 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The Eagles waived Barnett in November 2023 and he was immediately signed by the Texans. Over 39 career games in Houston, he recorded 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Barnett had five sacks in 2025 for Houston.
Buy Cleveland Browns tickets
Derek Barnett contract
Barnett is signing a one-year deal worth $5.5 million with the Browns, a source confirmed.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns DE Alex Wright tears Achilles, team signs veteran Derek Barnett
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
