The Cleveland Browns are hobbling through another lost season, now sitting at 2-8 and relying on fifth-round rookie Shadeur Sanders as the starting quarterback. While the 2025 campaign is going nowhere, the front office is making moves to secure a more stable future for the franchise.
As NFL Insider Adam Schefter posted on social media on Wednesday morning, the team has signed defensive end Alex Wright to a three-year contract extension. The former UAB standout was chosen by the Browns in the third round (78th overall pick) of the 2022 NFL draft.
"Another deal in Cleveland: Browns and defensive end Alex Wright reached an agreement today on a three-year, $33 million extension that includes $21 million guaranteed, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare," Schefter wrote.
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Wright was expected to be the other bookend on the defensive line, opposite longtime superstar Myles Garrett. However, speculation has run rampant that Garrett could be dealt in the offseason.
How does retaining Wright help the Browns?
For now, the Browns seem intent on rebuilding both sides of the line, fortifying their talent and depth in the trenches. With an unknown quarterback situation heading into the last few weeks of the year and into 2026, Cleveland can hold games closer by improving their overall defense, and for now, that means retaining the talent it currently has on the roster. So, re-signing Wright makes all the sense in the world, especially considering he's in the final year of his original, rookie contract.
As for what the future holds for Wright, one can only go back to his statements in training camp. He's a thinking man's player, and he focuses on one play and one game at a time.
"I don't look at the future; I don't think about the past," Wright stated. "I just think about having fun. I think that's what most people tend to forget."
"I look at it as a streak, then I'll be worried about trying to get a sack and then trying to get another sack... No, I just got to be cool and let it come to me."