Cleveland Browns OTAs are not normally where defensive linemen find reasons for optimism about the offense. Alex Wright is finding plenty this spring, and the language he uses to describe it is nothing but exceptional.
“I’m seeing accountability in the offense. I’m seeing players push players. I’m feeling like a new energy of a sense of urgency,” Wright said. “I’m seeing a lot, and this is a new system. Since I’ve been here, they never talk trash back, in my opinion, but you feel the vibe is different. I’m talking junk to Quinshon. I’m talking junk to Shedeur. I’m talking junk to the tight ends, to the tackles. Just hearing them fire back, it’s like we got fight. I haven’t seen we’ve got fight in a long time.
Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright (91) celebrates after a play against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
“I genuinely feel that way. I’m not going to come up here and just say something for the hell of it. They’re holding each other accountable. Even when Todd is getting into the trash talking, too. That’s how you know we’re growing a whole lot closer than what I thought we could be.”
Why Wright’s voice carries weight as the Browns navigate a major transition
Alex Wright said he is seeing more accountability and urgency in the Browns’ new offense, noting increased competition, players pushing each other, and a stronger overall team energy under the new system.
“I’m seeing accountability [in the offense]. I’m seeing players push… pic.twitter.com/Yg5iSXBvJr
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) June 19, 2026
Wright is heading into his fifth NFL season after the Browns’ coaching staff specifically challenged him this offseason to take on a bigger vocal leadership role.
“The more I talk, I feel like my play backs it up so my teammates respect that,” Wright said separately. “I’m going to talk trash every day in practice just because I know the trash talking is what’s going to motivate us to get better.”
Head coach Todd Monken has encouraged exactly this kind of culture shift since arriving.
“You like guys that have juice, you like guys that are vocal,” Monken said. New addition Jared Verse, acquired in the Myles Garrett trade, has also been described internally as a natural fit for that energy.
The names Wright mentioned, Quinshon Judkins and Shedeur Sanders, are central to what Cleveland is building offensively this year.
Judkins flashed real ability before a late-season injury cut his rookie season short. Sanders is in the middle of a genuine quarterback competition with Deshaun Watson.
If both players are now firing back at a fifth-year defensive end during 11-on-11 periods, it suggests a level of comfort and confidence that wasn’t present in Cleveland’s locker room a year ago.