Browns sign veteran edge rusher Derek Barnett after DE Alex Wright suffers season-ending achilles injury

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a one‑year contract with veteran edge rusher Derek Barnett after defensive end Alex Wright was lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Wright, 25, sustained the injury during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday while participating in a one‑on‑one pass‑rushing drill against Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown. He was carted off the field and subsequently placed on season‑ending injured reserve. Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Wright had recorded a career‑high 5.5 sacks across 14 appearances last season. To address the immediate need for pass‑rushing depth, the Barnett deal is worth up to $5.5 million. The 30‑year‑old is entering his tenth NFL season. Originally a first‑round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Barnett has amassed 34 career sacks and 50 starts in 112 regular‑season games, most recently with the Houston Texans. The signing concludes a turbulent stretch for Cleveland’s defensive line as training camp wraps up. Barnett is expected to report to the team immediately and integrate into the defensive scheme before the regular‑season opener.