The Cleveland Browns’ need for another pass-rusher has intensified with uncertainty around the status of Alex Wright.
Wright suffered an apparent lower-leg injury while facing Bills right tackle Spencer Brown in a one-on-one drill. He tried to walk afterward but was carted off the field. With Wright’s status uncertain, Sports Illustrated’s Cade Cracas identified free agent Joey Bosa as a potential answer.
“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,” Cracas wrote. “Pairing him with players like Verse and linebacker Carson Schwesinger would give them another boost of experience on defense.”
Bosa has recorded 77 sacks over 10 NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills. The five-time Pro Bowler was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 and remains one of the most accomplished players available.
Browns Missed on Multiple Veteran Targets
Cleveland’s search for an experienced edge defender started well before Wright’s injury. The Browns attempted to reunite with Jadeveon Clowney, who ultimately signed with the Houston Texans. Cleveland also appeared close to bringing back Za’Darius Smith, but the three-time Pro Bowler changed course and signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Both players had previously lined up opposite Myles Garrett and were familiar with the organization. Missing on the two reunion candidates left the Browns without the established veteran they had been seeking. Wright — who is entering his fifth NFL season — was the elder statesman in the defensive end group.
Cleveland added Jamil Muhammad after whiffing on Smith, but he is not a proven replacement for Wright. Muhammad entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams and has yet to appear in a regular-season game. He is competing for a roster spot rather than arriving as a lock for the 53-man roster.
Isaiah McGuire and Julian Okwara are also among Cleveland’s options on the edge. McGuire stepped in with the first-team defense after Wright left Thursday’s practice.
Browns Awaiting Update on Alex Wright
GettyAlex Wright #91 and Jared Verse #8 of the Cleveland Browns high-five during Cleveland Browns Training Camp.
Head coach Todd Monken had little to offer when asked about Wright immediately after the injury during the joint practice.
“I do not at this time,” Monken said.
Wright entered camp as the starter opposite Jared Verse after signing a three-year, $33 million extension last season. The former third-round pick has registered 11.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 51 games with Cleveland.
Verse — who came over in the Myles Garrett trade from LA — has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most disruptive young edge defenders. After earning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, he followed with 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. But he will command significant attention from opposing offenses.
The Browns need someone on the other side who can capitalize when opponents slide protection toward Verse. Wright was expected to fill that role, and the alternatives behind him remain largely unproven.
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