The Cleveland Browns’ second preseason game was an absolute nightmare, man. Their starting quarterback battle got even muddier, failing to point to a clear winner. Even worse, they lost a defensive starter for the entire season! Alex Wright, who was set to start opposite Jared Verse, suffered a torn Achilles tendon over the weekend and is officially on injured reserve. His season is over, just like that. But here’s the kicker: the Browns wasted no time, signing his replacement almost immediately.
Gut Punch on Defense: Wright’s Season Ends, Need Intensifies
Talk about a gut punch! Alex Wright tearing his Achilles tendon completely wrecks their plans for him to start opposite Jared Verse. He’s on injured reserve, season gone, and you gotta feel for the guy. This devastating injury hits even harder because the Browns were already desperate for more pass-rusher depth. They’d even worked out veteran guys like Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith recently, both of whom ended up signing with different teams. So, this wasn’t just about filling a future need; it became an emergency.
Enter the Champ: Derek Barnett Lands in Cleveland
But the Browns didn’t just throw their hands up. ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported they’ve officially signed former Philadelphia Eagles edge-rusher Derek Barnett to a contract. This isn’t some unknown. Barnett was the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, a true first-rounder, and he’s got a Super Bowl ring! He’s still only 30 years old, which is prime for a pass-rusher. Barnett has consistently delivered five sacks in each of the past two seasons, totaling 34 sacks over his nine-year career. After spending seven seasons with the Eagles, he played a rotational role with the Houston Texans since 2023. Now, he’s walking into Cleveland with a real shot at a starting gig. Talk about a swift, veteran response!
So, yeah, the Browns’ preseason wasn’t great. QB drama and a season-ending injury to a key starter? Rough start. But bringing in Derek Barnett, a former first-round pick and Super Bowl champion, that’s a bold move. It shows they’re serious about salvaging their pass rush. He’s got the experience to step right into that starting role opposite Verse. Can he make an immediate impact and live up to that first-round pedigree in Cleveland? It’s going to be fascinating to watch him try.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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