3 Free Agent Pass Rushers That Make Sense For Browns After Alex Wright's Injury

The Cleveland Browns need to bolster the defensive line, especially with injuries plaguing the team's depth.

Nov 30, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Haason Reddick (5) tackles Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the offseason began, there weren't many questions surrounding the Cleveland Browns' defensive line.

For all anyone knew, future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett would still be lacing up his cleats and trotting out in front of The Dawg Pound at Huntington Bank Field.

But just months later, with the upcoming 2026 regular season right in sight, things look very different.

Unfortunately, while the front office did go out and add rising star edge rusher Jarod Verse, the depth around him has depleted quickly. Alex Wright, who was expected to be the go-to starter opposite Verse, went down recently with a lower-leg injury.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright (91) takes in drill instruction during day 12 of training camp, Aug. 11, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Here are three free agent edge rushers the Browns could target to replace Wright:

1. Haason Reddick

Reddick is entering his 10th season of NFL action, having signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his most recent campaign.

Due to knee and ankle injuries, he ended up missing four games in the heart of the season, but when healthy, he was terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. He contributed 31 tackles, six for a loss and 2.5 sacks, with six quarterback hits along the way.

He finished the year with an 11.1% pressure rate, which showed just how valuable his presence was on the line, even if he didn't post similar numbers to years past.

Across his nine total seasons of professional ball, Reddick has totalled 455 tackles, 77 for a loss and 61.5 sacks for a loss.

While he is approaching that veteran-type role, bringing him to Cleveland on a relatively cheap deal isn't a bad idea in the short-term.

2. Joey Bosa

The idea of bringing in Bosa has been floated around all offseason for the Browns.

Attending The Ohio State University, the 31-year-old returning to Ohio would be a perfect way to approach the back half of his career.

A five-time Pro Bowler and 2016 AP Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa would give the team a major veteran presence in the locker room. Pairing him with players like Verse and linebacker Carson Schwesinger would give them another boost of experience on defense.

Across 10 years of action with the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, Bosa has totaled 372 tackles, 96 for a loss and 77 sacks. He has also routinely found his way into situations to jump on turnovers, recovering 22 fumbles. He led the league in 2025 with five.

While Joey's brother Nick shared that he may not play this season, Cleveland should at least explore bringing him back to the state where he made his impact on the sport of football most known.

3. Derek Barnett

At 30 years old, Barnett still has plenty of football ahead of him, with the veteran showing no signs that his career is nearing its end just yet.

Battling to stay healthy and on the field at times, though, Barnett has posted 216 tackles, 57 for a loss and 34 sacks across the last nine seasons. He has also posted five sacks in each of the last two seasons, all while hitting the quarterback 17 total times.

He would join a Browns team that he has some familiarity with, having been coached by newly added defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire back in 2023 while playing with the Houston Texans.

Cleveland's front office could explore a one-to-two-year deal with Barnett, giving him a chance to settle into the scheme as the Browns continue to try and grow up a talented bunch of youngsters around him.