Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns

In a season where the Cleveland Browns have faced endless injuries and defensive struggles, one bright spot has emerged: the rapid growth of defensive end Alex Wright. Entering his third NFL season, Wright was once viewed as a project—raw, talented, but inconsistent. This year, though, he’s transformed into a reliable playmaker, stepping up to fill gaps left by injured teammates and becoming a critical piece of the Browns’ defensive line. With 5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 2 forced fumbles through 13 weeks, Wright has exceeded expectations, proving he can hold his own alongside stars like Myles Garrett. For a team clinging to playoff hopes, his development isn’t just a nice story—it’s a necessity. Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns explores how his improvement has impacted the defense, filled critical holes, and why his continued success is vital for the Browns’ short-term and long-term goals.

Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns starts with his on-field development—specifically, the refinements to his game that have turned potential into production. Early in his career, Wright relied on his physical tools (6’6”, 270 lbs, 4.7-second 40-yard dash) but lacked the technique to consistently beat offensive linemen. This season, though, he’s added polished pass-rush moves to his arsenal: a quick arm-over, a devastating spin move, and improved hand placement that lets him shed blocks faster. The results are clear: his sack total has more than doubled from last season (2 sacks in 2023), and he’s now generating pressure on 12% of his snaps—up from 7% in 2022. “Alex has put in the work to fix the little things,” said defensive line coach Chris Kiffin. “He’s watching film every day, asking questions, and practicing his moves until they’re second nature. That’s the difference between a player who has talent and a player who uses it.” Wright’s growth has been most evident in key moments: in Week 10 against the Cardinals, he recorded a late-game sack that forced a fumble, helping the Browns secure a 24-17 win.

Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns shifts to how his improvement has eased the burden on Myles Garrett—the Browns’ defensive anchor. For years, Garrett has been double-teamed on nearly 70% of his snaps, with opposing offenses focusing all their attention on stopping him. But with Wright emerging as a threat, teams can no longer afford to ignore the other side of the line. This season, Garrett has been double-teamed on just 62% of his snaps—a 8% drop from last year—and has recorded 11 sacks, tied for the fifth-most in the NFL. “Having Alex step up has been a game-changer for me,” Garrett said. “When teams have to worry about both of us, it opens up more one-on-one opportunities. He’s not just a backup—he’s a guy who can win his own matchups, and that makes our entire defense better.” Wright’s ability to generate pressure has also allowed the Browns to use more four-man rushes, reducing their reliance on blitzes that often leave the secondary exposed. In Week 12 against the Broncos, Wright and Garrett combined for 3 sacks, forcing Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson into three interceptions.

Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns delves into his role as a run-stopper—a facet of his game that’s often overlooked but critical to the Browns’ defense. While Wright is known for his pass-rush skills, he’s also become a reliable force against the run, using his size and strength to clog lanes and tackle running backs at the line of scrimmage. He ranks third on the team in run stops (18) and has allowed just 2.3 yards per carry when defending the run—among the best rates for defensive ends in the AFC. This growth is especially important given the Browns’ struggles in run defense (25th in the NFL) and the loss of Maliek Collins. “Alex has become our Swiss Army knife on the defensive line,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “We can line him up at end or tackle, and he’ll hold his own against the run or the pass. That versatility is invaluable, especially when we’re dealing with injuries.” For the Cleveland Browns, Wright’s ability to stop the run has helped limit big plays and keep opposing offenses from controlling the clock—something the defense desperately needs to do to support the offense.

Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns explores how his development has provided much-needed depth and security for the Browns’ defensive line. With Za’Darius Smith limited by a back injury and Collins out for the season, the Browns have relied heavily on Wright to stay healthy and productive. He’s played 72% of the team’s defensive snaps this season—up from 45% in 2023—and has yet to miss a game due to injury. This durability, combined with his production, has made him one of the most reliable players on the defense. “We knew we needed Alex to step up this season, but we didn’t expect him to be this consistent,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski. “He’s been a rock for our defensive line, and without him, we’d be in even more trouble. His growth has given us confidence that we can still compete, even when other key players are out.” For the Cleveland Browns, Wright’s emergence as a reliable starter has also allowed them to use younger players (like Jeff Gunter) in limited roles, avoiding the mistakes that come with throwing unproven rookies into the fire.

Alex Wright's Growth Key to Success for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the long-term implications of his development—both for the current playoff push and the Browns’ future. In the short term, Wright’s play will be critical as the Browns face a tough remaining schedule: the Steelers (6th in rushing yards allowed) and Bengals (10th in sacks allowed) both have strong offensive lines, and Wright will need to win his matchups to help the defense slow them down. A few more sacks or key run stops from Wright could be the difference between making the playoffs and missing them. In the long term, Wright’s growth gives the Browns a young, cost-controlled playmaker to pair with Garrett for years to come. With Smith set to become a free agent in 2025, Wright could step into a full-time starting role, ensuring the Browns’ pass rush remains one of the best in the NFL. “Alex is just getting started,” Garrett said. “He has the potential to be an All-Pro, and I’m excited to see how far he can go.” For the Cleveland Browns, Alex Wright’s growth isn’t just a key to success this season—it’s a foundation for building a championship-caliber defense in the years ahead.