Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles has declared that the 2024 season will be his last as a player.
With Bryce Huff signing a three-year contract worth $51 million this offseason and Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham both expected to be major contributors, the Eagles boast a formidable group of pass rushers. That being said, one observer believes the team should add some depth at the position, especially with Graham set to leave soon.
Before the NFL season begins, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine put together a list of deals he feels every team “should” make. He drafted a trade proposal for the Eagles that would have sent 23-year-old pass rusher Alex Wright to the Cleveland Browns in return for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
“Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff will steer the group into the future. Long- and short-term benefits could result from bringing in more youthful talent, Ballentine wrote on July 26. She also mentioned Alex Wright, who is a name to keep an eye on. Despite playing in only 38% of the Browns’ plays during the previous campaign, he recorded five sacks, six tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits.
Is Alex Wright, a DE, willing to leave the Cleveland Browns?
Finding additional plays for Wright could be challenging because the Browns have a strong pass-rushing group that includes Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, and Ogbo Okoronkwo, Ballentine continued. “The Browns might be interested in adding a pick and taking advantage of their depth.”
Although there are many of strong pass rushers in Philadelphia as well, Wright’s age and potential may catch the attention of general manager Howie Roseman and his staff. Wright collected 5.0 sacks and 15 QB hurries in 223 pass rush snaps last season (statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus). In addition, he finished with two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, six tackles for loss, and 25 total tackles.
The 6-foot-5, 267-pound Wright was a third-round selection by the Browns in 2022. During his first two seasons, he shown sparks, especially in the last six games in 2023, when he recorded five of his six TFLs, two forced fumbles, and four of his 5.0 sacks.
Alex Wright is a DE; should the Philadelphia Eagles try to trade for him?
Ballentine predicted that Wright may be lured away from Cleveland with a future fifth-round pick. Naturally, that is only a prediction, but it might be worthwhile for the Eagles to look into the possibility that the Browns have genuine interest.
Although the 36-year-old Graham has been dependable throughout his career—he joined the Eagles in 2010—he may suffer an injury in 2024. Besides, one can never have too many pass rushers in the NFL.
Vic Fangio, the new defensive coordinator for the Eagles, reportedly said that Huff is not quite ready to play three downs for the team. As training camp goes on and Fangio is not satisfied with what he is seeing from the Eagles pass rush, he very well may try to bring in more players. Wright is owed $1.1 million in 2024 and $1.3 million in 2025, so the Browns might be the first team worth calling based only on cost alone.