Linebacker Quincy Williams looked like he would be the Cleveland Browns’ signature defensive acquisition of the offseason, especially after the team used just two of its 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on that side of the ball. Then, as soon as June arrived, the Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams and got edge rusher Jared Verse as part of the return.
Since then, a lot has been made of Verse’s arrival, while Williams has gotten to operate somewhat under the radar. But with an All-Pro background and high-energy personality, he has already been named as a training camp standout.
Speaking at camp, Williams made his feelings clear about joining the Browns, saying he was surprised at how far along they were on defense.
“It’s a fun team to play with. When I got the call I was coming to this team, I looked at the roster, they got some dawgs. But to actually be here and actually see how everybody else flying around, it wasn’t nothing like you’re coming here to rebuild a team. It was like, you’re coming to be part of a team, being part of the defense. I’m very excited about that,” Williams said.
The Browns gave Williams a two-year, $13 million contract as a free agent as the potential replacement for Devin Bush, who left to sign with the Chicago Bears this offseason. A third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft, Williams played two seasons for them before getting waived during the final cuts prior to the 2021 campaign.
The Jets claimed him almost immediately, and he went on to become an All-Pro player for them. He posted four straight seasons of at least 100 combined tackles, with a career high of 139 (95 solo), 15 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks in 2023. Last season, dealing with shoulder and hand injuries, he was limited to 13 games and 83 tackles.
That may have diminished his market value somewhat, and the Browns took advantage of his reasonable price. By comparison, Bush received a three-year, $30 million deal from the Bears.
Williams also brings an advantage, having worked with new Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg as his position coach in both Jacksonville and New York. Turning 29 later this month, the veteran has helped his teammates learn Rutenberg’s scheme as it is being put in place.
With reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger alongside him, the Browns could have one of the best linebacker tandems in the NFL for at least the next two seasons.
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