Browns Sign All-Pro LB Quincy Williams to 2-Year Deal

New contract worth up to $17 million helps offset loss of Devin Bush

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. Williams, who played under new Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg with the Jets, will help fill the void left by the departure of linebacker Devin Bush, who signed with the Bears.

Why it matters

The signing of Williams is a key move for the Browns as they look to bolster their defense under new coordinator Rutenberg. Williams' familiarity with Rutenberg's system should help ease the transition, and his All-Pro talent will be crucial in replacing the production of Bush, who was an important part of the Browns' defense.

The details

Williams, 29, was a third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2019 when Rutenberg was on the coaching staff there. The two developed a close relationship, with Rutenberg citing Williams as one of the players he has a strong connection with. Williams is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 6.3 tackles per game, recorded 3.5 sacks, and had 5 pass breakups.

  • On Monday, the Browns agreed to terms with Williams on the two-year deal.
  • Last week, new Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg discussed his close relationship with Williams from their time together with the Jaguars.

The players

Quincy Williams

A 29-year-old linebacker who was an All-Pro in 2025 and previously played for new Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg with the Jets.

Devin Bush

A linebacker who previously played for the Browns but signed a 3-year, $30 million per year deal with the Bears on Monday.

Mike Rutenberg

The new defensive coordinator for the Browns, who previously coached Quincy Williams with the Jaguars.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns who signed Quincy Williams to the 2-year deal.

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What they’re saying

“I go to Quincy Williams. When I was in Jacksonville with Quincy, and we drafted him, Quincy and I connected from the heart. From the start. It went heart to football, and we spent a lot of time on our hearts and then a lot of time on football.”

— Mike Rutenberg, Browns Defensive Coordinator (cleveland.com)

“Williams can make splash plays with his perimeter range as a tackler and ability to add pressure from second-level or mugged alignments. He averaged 6.3 tackles per game last season, while adding 3.5 sacks and five pass breakups.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Browns will look to integrate Williams into their defensive scheme under Rutenberg as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The signing of Quincy Williams is a savvy move by the Browns to offset the loss of Devin Bush, providing them with an experienced and talented linebacker who has a strong rapport with the new defensive coordinator. This deal highlights the Browns' commitment to building a formidable defense to compete in the AFC.