The Cleveland Browns have signed a former first-round pick edge rusher after placing Alex Wright on the season-ending injured reserve.
The Cleveland Browns are signing former first-round pick Derek Barnett to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million after placing edge rusher Alex Wright on the season-ending injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles.
Wright was coming off a career year and inked a three-year, $33 million extension with Cleveland back in November. In the 2025 season, he finished with 37 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble.
The Browns will miss Wright's presence on their defense, but Barnett is a solid addition to fill his role.
Barnett is coming off a solid season where he was a rotational pass rusher for the Houston Texans. In 17 games, he recorded 21 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks. He should be a quality edge rusher for the Browns, who have undergone many changes to their defensive line.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectCleveland traded away reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse and draft capital. Garrett had a historic 2025 season, setting the sack record with 23 sacks. The 30-year-old also added 60 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.
The Browns won't be as dominant a defense without Garrett, but Verse is a talented young edge rusher to lead their pass rush. In the 2025 season with the Rams, Verse had 58 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.
Cleveland is entering a whole new era with Garrett on the way out and Todd Monken coming in as the head coach. Monken comes over after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Although the Browns are still a developing team with a ton of young talent on offense, they have a solid defense and could be more competitive in the 2026 season than they were in 2025, when they finished 5-12.
Barnett won't be a game changer for the Browns, but he should be a solid piece for their pass rush to replace Wright.
