Aug 23, 2026, 12:41 PM ETOpen Extended Reactions
The Cleveland Browns are placing starting defensive end Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles, and now will sign veteran defensive end Derek Barnett, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday.
Barnett is signing with the Browns on a one-year deal up to $5.5 million, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Sunday.
The Browns had already been seeking pass rush help before Wright's injury. Both Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans) and Za’Darius Smith (Atlanta Falcons) had worked out for the team during training camp before signing with other teams.
Wright was carted off the practice field Thursday after getting hurt during a one-on-one drill with Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown during a joint practice.
He had 5.5 sacks in 14 games last season and 11.5 sacks in his career since being selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2022. draft.
Barnett, 30, was a rotational piece last season for the Houston Texans and finished with five sacks.
He had 12.5 sacks in three seasons in Houston and in 2024 he scored two touchdowns on fumble recoveries.
A first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Barnett had 21.5 sacks in seven seasons with Philadelphia and won a Super Bowl with the franchise in 2017.
ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime contributed to this report.
