The Cleveland Browns found their Devin Bush replacement, signing former New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year deal. The 29-year-old's value took a hit after a rough 2025 campaign, but he's only two seasons removed from being an All-Pro. Williams projects as a good fit in Mike Rutenberg's defense, but a lot of that will depend on which version of Williams the Browns get.
Williams, the older brother of Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, was a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2019. Rutenberg served as the team's assistant linebackers coach that year, adding another connection point. Coming out of Murray State, Williams was certainly undersized, but packed a lot of speed and explosion in a straight line, which is how he collected 9.5 tackles for loss and a sack as a senior.
After a rookie season in which he looked like a third-round rookie, Williams played only 89 snaps in 2020 and didn't make the Jags' final roster in 2021. The Jets claimed him off waivers, with his brother's presence no doubt being a factor in that move, but also because Rutenberg was now the LB coach in New York. Williams started for the next two seasons, and then finally broke out in 2023, which earned him a contract extension early in the season. He finished the year with 95 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 passes defended, contributing at a high level against both the run and the pass. He was rewarded with an All-Pro selection.
2024, Rutenberg's last with the team, was also a solid season for Williams, but not nearly as impactful as previously. His regression continued even further in 2025, hence why his market value was low for someone with an All-Pro selection on his resume. The Browns landed him for two years and $17 million, a number which would be a bargain if Rutenberg can get him playing like his 2023 self.