The Cleveland Browns are looking for a new start with some new players and a new coaching staff taking over for the season. They have been aggressive during the legal tampering period portion of NFL free agency, including landing one of the former All-Pro defenders. Let’s take a closer look at who they have signed and what it means for the Browns going forward.
The Cleveland Browns have signed former All-Pro Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams, Cleveland Browns
Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) celebrates a defensive stop during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with former All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. Williams spent the last five seasons with the New York Jets and was an All-Pro in 2023. Last season, he finished the season with 83 total tackles (45 solo, 38 assisted) with eight tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles in 13 games.
Being an off-ball linebacker, this will help the Browns get more defensive prowess throughout the season. He is joining a familiar face in Cleveland as the team’s new defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, was the Jets linebacker coach from 2021-24. With the familiarity factor being there for the linebacker, it gives him a chance to be a star on the second level for the Browns.
This is a welcome addition for the Cleveland Browns defense, already having a lot of talent with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett. With new coach Todd Monken leading the team, it will be interesting to see if Williams can get back to the player he was a few years ago as he is in a system he is no stranger to.