BEREA, Ohio — Browns defensive end Alex Wright was poised to have a major role on the defensive line this season following the Myles Garrett trade, making him and new addition Jared Verse the leaders on the edge. Instead, Wright will miss the upcoming season after rupturing his Achilles tendon and being placed on injured reserve.
Wright was working in 1-on-1 drills during Thursday's joint practice with the Buffalo Bills when he collapsed and needed help to the sideline. After trainers spent a few minutes working on his ankle area, he was placed on a cart and taken off the field.
The Browns didn't have an immediate update on Wright's injury, but on Sunday it was confirmed that Wright had ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Wright will undergo surgery and spend this season rehabbing with an eye on returning for the 2027 season.
Back in November, Wright signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Browns that runs through the 2028 season.
With Wright out for the season and the team already thin across the defensive line due to a number of other, more minor, injuries, the Browns have signed veteran pass rusher Derek Barnett.
Barnett, 30, was originally selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, where he played until being waived in 2023. Barnett was claimed off waivers by the Texans, where he remained until entering free agency this offseason.
Over his nine seasons in the league, Barnett has played in 112 games with 50 starts, recording 216 total tackles, 34 sacks, 57 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles with five fumble recoveries, three of which were recovered for touchdowns.
Last season with Houston, Barnett played in all 17 games, making 21 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and 10 QB hits.
