Photo via Houston Texans on X (Twitter)/@Houston Texans
Former Tennessee football star Derek Barnett is on to his third NFL team of his career. The defensive end signed with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, with Alex Wright placed on injured reserve. According to a report from Jeremy Fowler, it is a one-year deal worth $5.5 million.
Barnett is the third former Vol to be rostered for the season with the Browns, as well. He joins wide receiver Cedric Tillman and running back Dylan Sampson as members of the team.
For Barnett, he is entering his 10th NFL season. He began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing there from 2017-2023. He was a Super Bowl champion with the franchise. Then, he joined the Houston Texans, where he played from 2023-25.
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Barnett played at Tennessee from 2014-16. After an illustrious career, he went 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. During his career, he was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team, twice to the All-SEC Second-Team, once to the All-SEC First-Team and a consensus All-American.
His finest season was his junior year in 2016. That year, he posted 13.0 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, 56 tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles. In the Music City Bowl, his final game in college, Barnett recorded the 32nd sack of his career to set the program record, topping legend Reggie White’s mark.
Barnett is from the state of Tennessee, signing as an in-state recruit. He is from Brentwood, just outside of Nashville, where he starred for Brentwood Academy. He was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 152 recruit in the nation by 247 in the 2014 class.
Now, he will join a Browns team coming off a 5-12 regular season and last-place finish in the AFC North. The team is owned by Jimmy Haslam, who is a graduate of UT.