Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns

When the Cleveland Browns signed defensive end Alex Wright to a four-year, $52 million extension in the 2025 offseason, the move was more than just a financial commitment—it was a vote of confidence in his ability to evolve from a promising rotational player into a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Before the extension, Wright had spent two seasons as a complementary piece, spelling star Myles Garrett on passing downs and contributing primarily as a run-stopper. But with the new deal came a clear mandate: take on a larger, more versatile role that would ease the pressure on Garrett and solidify the Browns’ defensive line as one of the NFL’s most formidable. Halfway through the 2025 season, Wright has not only met those expectations—he’s exceeded them, becoming a dual-threat force and redefining what the Browns can do on defense. Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns explores the specifics of his expanded responsibilities, the impact on his performance, and how this shift has reshaped the Browns’ defensive identity.

Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns begins with the most visible change: a significant jump in snap count and a move to a “three-down” player. In 2024, Wright played just 58% of the Browns’ defensive snaps, mostly coming off the bench in passing situations. This season, that number has surged to 82%, with Wright staying on the field for run defense, pass rushes, and even occasional zone coverage (a new wrinkle added to his repertoire). Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has leaned into Wright’s size (6-foot-6, 270 pounds) and athleticism, using him to set the edge against the run while also deploying him in interior pass-rushing packages to exploit mismatches with smaller guards. “Before the extension, we limited Alex to roles where we knew he’d succeed,” Schwartz explained in a recent press conference. “Now, we’re trusting him to do more—because he’s earned that trust. He’s not just a backup to Myles anymore; he’s a guy we can build plays around.” The increased snaps have translated to production: through 10 games, Wright has recorded 8 sacks (a career high), 15 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles—already surpassing his totals from all of 2024.

Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns delves into the new technical skills Wright has added to his game to handle his expanded role. Recognizing that his new responsibilities would require more than just strength and speed, Wright spent the 2025 offseason working with pass-rushing specialist Chuck Smith to refine his technique. He added a devastating spin move to his arsenal (which he’s used to record 3 of his 8 sacks) and improved his hand placement to shed offensive linemen more quickly—critical for his increased run-defense duties. He also worked on his awareness in zone coverage, a skill he’d rarely used before, allowing Schwartz to deploy him in “spy” roles against mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. The results were on full display in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens: Wright not only sacked Jackson once but also forced him out of the pocket twice with well-timed interior rushes and broke up a pass in coverage to stop a third-down drive. “Alex didn’t just get more snaps—he got better,” said Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin. “He put in the work to expand his skill set, and now he’s a player who can impact every phase of the defense. That’s the difference between a good player and a great one.”

Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns examines how Wright’s expanded role has alleviated pressure on Myles Garrett and strengthened the overall defensive line of the Cleveland Browns. For years, Garrett has been the Browns’ only consistent pass-rushing threat, drawing double teams on 65% of his snaps in 2024. But with Wright emerging as a legitimate threat, opposing offenses can no longer focus solely on Garrett—freeing him up to make more plays. This season, Garrett has been double-teamed just 42% of the time, and his sack total (11) is on pace to set a career high. “Having Alex play at this level has been a game-changer for me,” Garrett said after the Browns’ Week 9 win over the Houston Texans. “When teams have to worry about both of us, it opens up so many opportunities. I don’t have to fight through two guys on every play anymore—I can focus on making the tackle or getting to the quarterback.” For the Cleveland Browns, this dynamic has turned their defensive line from a “one-man show” into a balanced unit. With Wright and Garrett bookending the line, and Maliek Collins (when healthy) clogging the middle, the Browns have held opposing offenses to just 108 rushing yards per game (12th in the NFL) and 20.5 points per game (15th)—significant improvements from 2024.

Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns explores how Wright’s expanded role has made him a leader in the locker room and a fan favorite of the Cleveland Browns. While Wright was always a quiet presence in the locker room, his increased production and responsibility have made him a voice that younger players look up to. Rookie defensive end Isaiah Thomas, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025, has cited Wright as a mentor, saying, “Alex shows up early every day, stays late, and answers every question I have. He doesn’t act like a guy who just got a big contract—he acts like a guy who wants to win, and that rubs off on everyone.” Off the field, Wright’s popularity with fans has surged: his jersey sales have jumped 300% since the start of the season, and he’s become a regular at community events, including the Browns’ “Month of Giving” food drives. For the Cleveland Browns, Wright’s emergence as a leader and fan favorite is just as valuable as his on-field production. “Great teams need more than just talented players—they need guys who set the right example,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski. “Alex is that guy. He works hard, he’s humble, and he cares about this team and this city. That’s the kind of player you want to build around.”

Alex Wright's Role Expands Post-Extension for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the long-term implications of Wright’s expanded role for the Cleveland Browns’ defensive future. By signing Wright to an extension and investing in his development, the Browns have secured a key piece of their defensive line for the next four years—providing stability as they look to rebuild and compete for championships. Wright’s ability to handle a larger role has also given the Browns flexibility in future roster decisions: they can now focus on addressing other needs (like secondary depth or offensive line talent) in the draft and free agency, rather than worrying about replacing a pass-rushing threat. General manager Andrew Berry has called Wright’s extension “one of the most important moves we’ve made in recent years,” noting that “locking up young, ascending players like Alex is how you build sustainable success in the NFL.” As the 2025 season progresses, Wright shows no signs of slowing down—he’s on pace to be named to his first Pro Bowl, and some analysts are already discussing him as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate. For the Cleveland Browns, Alex Wright’s expanded role isn’t just a story about one player’s growth—it’s a story about the team’s commitment to building a winning culture. With Wright and Garrett leading the defense, the Browns have a foundation that can compete with the best teams in the AFC for years to come.