During the offseason, DE Derek Barnett had to practice patience while awaiting his next opportunity in the NFL. The nine-year veteran remained confident that the right fit would come, though.

"I knew eventually something would come about, so I was just trying to be patient in the process and not get too ahead of myself," Barnett said.

That opportunity came when Barnett signed with the Browns on Aug. 23, adding to their depth at defensive end. Barnett tallied five sacks in each of the past two seasons with the Texans. Heading into this year, Barnett will look to use his versatility and veteran presence to elevate the Browns' defensive line.

Barnett brings nine seasons of NFL experience with multiple teams to the Browns' defensive line room. While he's looking to provide help where he can, Barnett also said that he wants to learn from his teammates to continue improving his own game.

"I'm always trying to be a help to anybody," Barnett said. "But also, I can learn from a young guy too. You can play one year or 10 years in this league, the day you stop trying to learn and get better, that's when you hit a wall."

Head coach Todd Monken noticed Barnett's mentality before the Browns signed him, as his play style and presence in the locker room stood out to Monken. Now on their roster, Monken also believes Barnett will fit into their attacking front.

"I've been a big fan of his over the last few years, just watching him play with relentless effort and toughness, and what he brings to the table from what I've heard as a teammate," Monken said. "He's played in this style of defense, so it's not that big of a transition. It's really not. It's really just getting used to what we call things, our terminology, and then just seeing what we have. We haven't been around Derek, and I've liked what I've seen so far."

The Browns have a couple of players that Barnett played with in Houston, including DT Maliek Collins, who was ecstatic when he heard that the Browns signed Barnett. The two played together on the Texans in 2023, and Collins sees Barnett stepping onto the field and playing a big role on Cleveland's defensive line.

Another former teammate of Barnett's in Houston, T Tytus Howard, is also familiar with the defensive end's ability. With the Texans, Tytus practiced against Barnett for the past two-and-a-half seasons, getting to know the veteran defensive end's game.

"He's a feisty player, really good player," Howard said. "(He) can play on both sides of the end. He's a guy that's going to be able to get to the quarterback."

Barnett also acknowledged that he can play on both sides of the defensive line, which adds to Cleveland's versatility up front. The ability to rush from both sides on the line is key, as Barnett will be able to play alongside both DE Jared Verse and DE Isaiah McGuire in the Browns' four down lineman scheme — which utilizes two traditional defensive ends —under defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

The relationship is mutually beneficial, as Cleveland's talented defensive line should help bolster Barnett's production. He believes that playing next to high level interior pass rushers, including Collins and DT Mason Graham, will push him to raise his play.

"When you have two great rushers on the inside, you have to elevate your game," Barnett said. "Everybody's trying to get home and make big plays, so it's going to push everybody in the room."

With the regular season approaching, Barnett is excited for what the Browns can do in 2026.

"I think we're going to have a great opportunity this year to play some good football and put our best foot forward," Barnett said.