Grading the signing: Browns sign former All-Pro LB Quincy Williams to bolster their defense, and he already has a connection to Cleveland
The Browns are on board with their second free agent signing of the day, and it’s a new starter for their defense.
The Cleveland Browns watched LB Devin Bush walk in free agency on Monday afternoon when he signed a deal with the Chicago Bears.
Cleveland wasted no time in finding their replacement for Bush for their defense and they have added a former All-Pro linebacker to their defense.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Browns have signed former New York Jets LB Quincy Williams to a two-year deal worth $17 million. Williams gives Cleveland a proven linebacker to slide in alongside star LB Carson Schwesinger.
Grading the Browns’ signing of LB Quincy Williams
Williams felt like a possible fit for the Browns due to his relationship with new Cleveland defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Rutenberg was the lender’s coach with the New York Jets from 2021 through 2024.
Cleveland has gotten strong linebacker play for the most part under linebackers coach Jason Tarver who has been able to get the most out of the position. Williams plugging in as a starter at 29 years old in season No. 8 should be no different.
Williams’ best season came in 2023 when he was named first team All-Pro with 139 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and 10 pass breakups. The former Jet did have a bit of a down season in terms of his prior play in 2025 where he finished with 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games.
Cleveland gets a proven player to replace Bush at a cheaper price point than the $30 million that Chicago gave Bush over three years. The coverage has to be better for Williams in 2026, and he’ll be surrounded by the makings of an elite defense to help make it happen.
I’m a big fan of this signing for the Browns and how good he potentially can be playing alongside Schwesinger and behind an elite defensive line.
Final grade: A-
Where Quincy Williams ranks in the A to Z Sports’ top-100 free agents
The skinny: “It’s probably safe to assume that Quincy Williams isn’t a great fit for the Jets under the watch of Aaron Glenn. Williams’ play regressed notably and he struggled with assignments in coverage. Williams still has some juice and a one-year ‘prove it’ deal feels like it will be best for all involved.” – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports
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