ALEX Wright has signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns, per reports.
The defensive end, 25, has been rewarded after emerging as a viable starter this season.
Wright has earned plaudits alongside Myles Garrett, making 24 tackles and earning three sacks in nine games.
Per ESPN, Wright’s $33m contract includes $21m in guaranteed money.
The extension locks down the former third round pick out of Alabama.
Wright had previously been due to enter unrestricted free agency at the end of the season.
But he will now be able to continue building Cleveland’s defense alongside standout Garrett.
Wright was absent as the Browns lost 23-16 to the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.
The fourth-year star has been dealing with a quad injury.
Cleveland has insisted that Wright’s injury is not serious, and that he will not need to be placed on the injury report ahead of this Sunday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Speaking publicly for the first time since news of his extension broke, Wright revealed that he immediately thought about his late grandfather, who died during his second year in the NFL.
“Life-changing,” the Cleveland star said.
“The first thing I thought about was him, and it made me emotional on the practice field.
“I started crying. It’s just like, wow, this is really life-changing. But I’m still in disbelief right now.”
Wright could have left his contract situation to offseason, gambling on testing the waters of free agency.
But he preferred to stay loyal to his squad, while guaranteeing a life-altering pot of cash in the process.
“Of course, it’s a tough call,” Wright added.
“Kind of like picking a school to go to for college. I don’t want to go to free agency.
“I want to stay here because just the defense that we have, I feel like those are my brothers. I grew up here.”
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz added, “Really, really proud of Alex. Alex has played really good football for us. We really missed Alex last year.
“No1, he is a physical presence in the run game. He’s got great size. Some of our best plays on the edge are Alex taking on pullers and knocking tight ends back and those are things we really value.
“And he’s rushed really well for us, too, and been a good complement.”
