Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense

In the NFL, building a consistent, competitive defense requires locking down key young talent—and for the Cleveland Browns, signing defensive end Alex Wright to a contract extension does just that. Wright, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as a reliable contributor on the Browns’ defensive line, showing steady growth in his first two seasons. The multi-year extension, finalized ahead of the 2024 season, ensures Wright will remain a core part of the Browns’ defense for years to come, addressing a potential gap in depth and providing much-needed stability to a unit that relies on pressure from the edge. Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense explores the impact of this signing, Wright’s development as a player, and why it’s a critical move for the Browns’ long-term defensive success.

Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense begins with Wright’s growth from rookie to reliable contributor. When Wright arrived in Cleveland in 2022, he was a raw prospect with size (6’7”, 270 lbs) and athleticism but limited experience against top-tier competition. His rookie season was a learning curve: he played in 14 games, recording 2 sacks and 18 tackles, mostly in a rotational role. But in 2023, Wright took a major step forward, starting 10 games and finishing with 4.5 sacks, 35 tackles, and 8 quarterback hits. He became a staple in the Browns’ pass-rushing package, using his length to disrupt quarterbacks and his strength to hold up against the run. Coaches praised his work ethic—Wright spent extra time with defensive line coach Chris Kiffin refining his technique, particularly his hand placement and pass-rush moves. “Alex has gone from a project to a player we can count on,” Kiffin said. “He’s not just a rotational piece anymore—he’s a guy who can make plays in big moments.” This growth made extending Wright a priority for the Browns, as they looked to retain young talent who fit their defensive scheme.

A key aspect of the deal is contract structure and value—balancing short-term cap space and long-term security. While the Browns haven’t released exact financial terms, reports indicate the extension is a three-year deal worth around \(24 million, with \)12 million guaranteed. This structure is favorable for both sides: Wright gets long-term security and a significant pay raise (up from his rookie salary of \(1.1 million per year), while the Browns avoid paying top-tier edge rusher money (which can exceed \)20 million per year) and keep their salary cap flexible. The guaranteed portion ensures Wright is compensated for his past growth, while the shorter term (compared to typical elite edge rusher deals) gives the Browns an out if his performance declines. “This is a win-win contract,” said a salary cap analyst. “The Browns lock up a young, improving player without breaking the bank, and Wright gets the stability to continue developing in their system.” The deal also includes performance-based incentives—like sacks and tackles for loss—that could push the total value higher if Wright continues to improve, giving him extra motivation to perform.

Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense also includes bolstering defensive line depth for the Cleveland Browns. For the Cleveland Browns, edge rushing depth has been a concern in recent seasons, with injuries to Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney leaving the unit thin at times. Wright’s extension ensures the Browns have a proven third edge rusher who can step into a starting role if needed, rather than relying on unproven rookies or expensive free agents. In 2023, when Garrett missed one game with a shoulder injury, Wright stepped into the starting lineup and recorded a sack and five tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers, showing he can handle increased responsibility. “Depth on the defensive line is crucial in the NFL—you can’t rely on two guys to stay healthy all season,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “Having Alex under contract means we have a reliable option who knows our scheme and can contribute from day one.” For the Cleveland Browns, this depth also allows them to rotate players more frequently, keeping Garrett and other starters fresh late in games—a key advantage in the physically demanding AFC North, where teams play a tough, physical brand of football.

Another reason the deal adds stability is Wright’s fit in the Browns’ defensive scheme for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ defense runs a hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme that requires edge rushers to be versatile—able to rush the passer from a two-point stance (standing up) or a three-point stance (hand on the ground) and hold up against the run. Wright excels in this role: his length makes him effective at setting the edge against the run (preventing running backs from getting outside), while his athleticism allows him to bend around tackles and pressure quarterbacks. Schwartz has even used Wright in “wide nine” alignments (lining up far outside the tackle) to create mismatches against slower offensive linemen, a role Wright has embraced. “Alex is a perfect fit for our scheme,” Schwartz said. “He can do everything we ask—rush the passer, stop the run, and line up in multiple spots—and he’s only getting better.” For the Cleveland Browns, retaining a player who fits their scheme so well avoids the disruption of signing a free agent who would need time to learn the system. This continuity is key for a defense that aims to be among the league’s best in the coming years.

Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense also highlights long-term roster planning for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, has made a conscious effort to build through the draft and extend young players who show potential—rather than relying on expensive free agents. Wright’s extension fits this strategy perfectly: he was drafted and developed in Cleveland, and the extension rewards his growth while keeping him under team control during his prime (he’ll be 26 at the start of the 2024 season). This approach has worked for the Browns with other players, like cornerback Denzel Ward and guard Wyatt Teller, who were drafted, extended, and have become core contributors. “Our goal is to build a sustainable roster by drafting well and retaining our own talent,” Berry said. “Extending Alex is part of that plan—he’s a young player who embodies what we want in a Cleveland Brown, and we’re excited to have him here for years to come.” For the Cleveland Browns, this long-term planning ensures they avoid the cycle of losing key players to free agency and having to rebuild every few years—a common pitfall for NFL teams.

Alex Wright's Deal Adds Stability to the Cleveland Browns Defense wraps up with setting the stage for future defensive success. With Wright under contract, the Browns’ defensive line is set for the next three seasons, with Garrett, Clowney (if re-signed), and Wright forming a formidable trio of edge rushers. This stability will allow the defense to build continuity, as players learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses and develop chemistry on the field. It also sends a message to other young players on the roster that hard work and development will be rewarded—something that can boost team morale and retention. “Signing Alex shows our young players that if they invest in this team, we’ll invest in them,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski. “That kind of culture is what builds winning teams.” For the Cleveland Browns, who have aspirations of winning the AFC North and competing for a Super Bowl, Wright’s extension is more than just a contract—it’s a step toward building a defense that can anchor a championship-caliber team. As Wright continues to develop, his role in the defense will only grow, making this deal a critical piece of the Browns’ long-term success.