The Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry have been looking to add a veteran defensive end to the roster for some time. They worked out former Browns players Jadeveon Clowney and Za'Darius Smith before both veterans ultimately signed with other teams.
And now, with the injury to Alex Wright, the need was at an all-time high to add someone to the group. On Sunday, the Browns finally added a veteran, signing a nine-year veteran and former first-round pick, Derek Barnett, who has spent the last couple of years with the Texans , to a one-year deal in Cleveland.
Barnett will play this season at 30; he comes off two straight seasons with five sacks apiece for Houston and has 34 sacks and 57 tackles for loss in his career, though he has missed significant time in some seasons. He's a solid veteran who fits well in the Browns' defensive scheme; if he can provide five sacks opposite Jared Verse, it'll be a great outcome.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns add former first round pick after Alex Wright injury