As first reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent defensive tackle Kalia Davis. The deal is reportedly worth up to $3 million.
The #Browns have agreed to terms with DT Kalia Davis on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. After starting all 17 games for the #49ers last season, Davis heads to Cleveland on a deal negotiated by his agents at @SPORTSTARSNYC. pic.twitter.com/Q8g3suvn0J
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2026
Davis was a sixth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of central Florida. He found a role in the rotation in his second season, appearing in 13 games. In 2025, he managed to work himself into the team's starting lineup, starting all 17 games. He recorded 10 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, half a sack and deflected three passes.
In that last season, Davis was playing under Robert Saleh, who returned to the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator. He has since gone on to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Notably, new Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has coached with Saleh in multiple stops. They largely play the same scheme, so that transition should be a natural one for Davis, part of the appeal for the decision to sign with the Browns.
6'1" and around 300 pounds, Davis is a big body who can combat the run and tries to be aggressive getting into the backfield. The Browns were in the market for more defensive tackle depth for a variety of reasons. Mason Graham is coming off an impressive rookie campaign, but Maliek Collins is recovering from a significant quad injury. Mike Hall Jr. is hoping to be back fully healthy a full year removed from the knee injury that ended his rookie campaign. Adin Huntington is an intriguing player heading into his second year, but he only had s small role in the defensive line rotation as a rookie. Shelby Harris is a free agent.
This move likely signals the end of Harris's tenure with the Browns. Harris had been a valuable cog for the Browns the past couple seasons. Harris will be 35 years old in August and may simply want to play for a team with higher aspirations at this point. Meanwhile, even as Davis is hoping to have a big year and then cash in next once again as a free agent, there's more potential for him to contribute as member with the Browns moving forward. He's 27.
The Browns add depth and continue to get younger on the defensive front, their latest move that seems aimed at enabling this defense to sustain its high level of success as the team also tries to build a capable offense. Davis is the second acquisition for the Browns coming from outside the team. The other was linebacker Quincy Williams, who has played for Rutenberg both with the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars.