Browns free agency: Replace Devin Bush with former All-Pro linebacker

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images

New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) celebrates after making a tackle during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The start of the NFL free agency’s legal tampering period has been mostly slow for the Cleveland Browns. GM Andrew Berry reportedly inked OL Zion Johnson to a big deal and saw two defenders, LB Devin Bush and DE Cameron Thomas, depart in free agency.

Now, according to multiple reports, Berry has found his replacement for Bush with former All-Pro LB Quincy Williams.

The third round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, and brother of Dallas Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams, started 73 of 78 games for the New York Jets the last five seasons, making the All-Pro team in 2023. Williams has been a force behind the line of scrimmage with 61 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, and 12.5 sacks in his career. He’s been especially good the last few seasons:

The Browns are signing LB Quincy Williams to a 2-year deal worth up to $17M, per @Schultz_Report

150 defensive stops and 50 TFLs since 2023 (both 1st among LBs) pic.twitter.com/0vd017aZI8

— PFF (@PFF) March 9, 2026

New Browns DC Mike Rutenberg previously coached Williams with the Jets and Jaguars. Rutenberg talked about Williams when he was introduced in Cleveland:

Williams was with new Browns DC Mike Rutenberg in New York and Jacksonville.

This is what Rutenberg had to say last week when asked about his relationship-building with players: "I go to Quincy Williams, was in Jacksonville with Quincy, and we drafted him. Quincy and I connected… https://t.co/cnGTJrwfs9

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 9, 2026

While Pro Football Focus noted Williams’ success above, he graded poorly last year (45.5) after two good graded seasons prior (68.0, 81.1) in New York. Overall, besides his best year in 2023, Williams has been much stronger against the run and rushing the passer than in coverage.

Continue reading...