As first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns and defensive end Alex Wright have agreed to a three-year contract extension according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O'Dare. The deal is reportedly worth a total of $33 million with $21 million guaranteed. A league source has confirmed the deal to the OBR.
Wright is currently in the last year of his rookie deal. After finishing the 2022 season on a late season surge that included five sacks, his 2023 was cut short. He only appeared in four games, then suffering a season-ending triceps injury. He did have what proved to be a game-winning sack safety against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week two of that season.
This season, Wright has appeared in nine games, starting four. He's recorded three sacks, but it's his run defense that has stood out the most. Wright has been an effective run stopper with excellent size and strength, listed 6'5" 267 pounds, though he looks heavier. He's also found utility as someone who could drop and run in space. His pass rush capability is the least developed part of his game to this point.
Wright and fellow defensive end Isaiah McGuire have been jockeying for the starting defensive end spot across from Myles Garrett. Wright had seemingly pulled ahead, taking control of the spot even as both are integral parts of the defensive line rotation. However, Wright is currently missing time due to a quad injury.
The three-year extension provides a clear direction for the team at defensive end. Garrett and Wright are now both under contract for the foreseeable future. McGuire will be on the final year of his rookie deal next season. The team also has Cam Thomas as a rotational option, but is currently scheduled to be a free agent.
It's part of a process to help shore up the entire defense. The team also made a trade involving corners Greg Newsome and Tyson Campbell. The Browns acquired Campbell from the Jacksonville Jaguars because he was viewed as an excellent scheme fit, but he was also under contract for the foreseeable future. Newsome, who was sent to Jacksonville in the deal, was not. By acquiring Campbell, they had answered the question about their starting corner position for the 2026 season. The signing of Wright signals the same for the defensive end position, narrowing down the needs the Browns will have in the coming offseason on that side of the ball. That helps clear the path for the Browns to focus on an offense that needs all the help it can get.
Wright was one of the three players the Browns selected in the third round of the 2022 draft. Martin Emerson Jr. was expected to be a starting corner for the team but suffered a ruptured Achilles', ending his season in training camp. He is scheduled to be a free agent. Wide receiver David Bell had to announce his retirement stemming from complications in surgery after he missed a season with a hip injury.