Browns signed DE Derek Barnett, formerly of the Texans, to a one-year contract.

23 August 2026

This move comes after the Browns lost DE Alex Wright for the season to a torn Achilles. Barnett, who has spent the last three seasons with the Texans, has totaled five sacks in each of the last two years and earned a PFF pass rush grade of 69.7 last season. While the addition of Barnett does soften the blow that the loss of Wright brings to the defense, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Browns continued to look for additional help on defense before the start of the season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Barnett can earn up to $5.5 million on his deal with the Browns.