March 15, 2026, 8:11 p.m. ET
The Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry have done an excellent job of reshaping the roster this offseason ahead of the 2026 season.
While most of the organization’s efforts throughout the 2026 NFL Free Agency period occurred on the offensive side of the ball, Berry managed to make a huge splash on defense, landing former All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. The signing came shortly after the Browns‘ former star linebacker, Devin Bush, agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bears, making Williams the replacement.
Earlier this week, Williams revealed his excitement about joining his former linebacker coach and newly hired defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, for the upcoming season.
“Not to be cocky, but his first thing he did was come and get me,” Williams said. “That’s the most important thing he did. Always going to make sure to keep him level-headed, so I know he’s going to be positive in every single thing moving this year. We feed off each other. That’s the main thing. I’m going to make sure he’s good the same way that I’m going to be good.”
Williams’ Outlook With Browns
Williams, a former third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, had a career full of ups and downs before recently joining the Browns. After a two-year stint in Jacksonville, the veteran playmaker would eventually turn into one of the best linebackers in the NFL while under the likes of Rutenberg.
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Throughout his four seasons with Rutenberg, Williams recorded 471 tackles, nine sacks, and six forced fumbles. His incredible efforts during the 2023 NFL season earned him a spot on the AP First-Team All-Pro. However, it was clear that the Browns’ newest defensive coordinator had an impact on Williams, as he saw a slight decrease in production last year with Rutenberg joining the Atlanta Falcons’ coaching staff in 2025.
Now, with Williams back with his trusted coach, the 29-year-old defender could be in line for another productive season in 2026. One of the main reasons for the Browns’ success on defense in 2025 was the team’s stout linebacker pair of Bush and 2025 second-round pick Carson Schwesinger. Both players did an excellent job of providing more stability across the middle of the field, as well as being forces in the run game.
The sudden emergance of Schwesinger will also take pressure off of Williams up the middle, while simultaneously allowing Rutenberg to use him in unique roles. The seven-year veteran can be used in multiple ways, including as an additional pass rusher. Williams recorded 12.5 sacks throughout his career, with 3.5 of the sacks occurring last season.