Browns Add Key Defensive and Offensive Pieces in Free Agency

Cleveland bolsters linebacker and offensive line with new signings and trades

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have been active in free agency, making several key moves to address needs on both sides of the ball. The team has signed linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year deal, replacing the departed Devin Bush. On the offensive line, the Browns have added guard Zion Johnson on a three-year, $49.5 million contract and acquired tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans in a trade. These moves aim to provide the Browns' next starting quarterback, whether it's Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Deshaun Watson, with a stronger supporting cast.

Why it matters

The Browns' offseason priorities have centered on rebuilding the offensive line and replacing key defensive starters like Bush. These free agency additions are crucial to setting up the team for success in 2026, no matter who ends up as the starting QB. Shoring up the trenches on both sides of the ball will be vital for the Browns to compete in the AFC North.

The details

The Browns signed linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year deal after losing Devin Bush to the Bears. Williams was an All-Pro in 2023 with the Jets but struggled more last season. He reunites with Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who was his position coach in New York. On the offensive line, the Browns added guard Zion Johnson on a three-year, $49.5 million contract. Johnson was a 2022 first-round pick of the Chargers but they declined his fifth-year option. The Browns also acquired tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick, giving him a new two-year, $45 million extension.

  • On March 9, the Browns signed linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year deal.
  • On March 9, the Browns signed guard Zion Johnson to a three-year, $49.5 million contract.
  • On March 2, the Browns acquired tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans in a trade.

The players

Quincy Williams

A linebacker who spent the last five seasons as a starter for the Jets, making the All-Pro team in 2023 before struggling more in 2024.

Zion Johnson

A guard who was a 2022 first-round pick of the Chargers but had his fifth-year option declined, leading to him signing a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Browns.

Tytus Howard

A tackle who was a first-round pick of the Texans in 2019 and has been a full-time starter at right tackle since joining the NFL, acquired by the Browns in a trade.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build a strong roster around our quarterback, whether that's Shedeur, Dillon, or Deshaun. These free agency moves on the offensive line and at linebacker are crucial steps in that direction.”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager, Cleveland Browns (Cleveland.com)

“Quincy is a talented player who I'm familiar with from our time together in New York. He'll bring a physical presence and playmaking ability to our defense.”

— Mike Rutenberg, Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns (ESPN)

What’s next

The Browns will continue to monitor the quarterback market and could look to add more pieces through the draft to further bolster the roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Browns are making smart, targeted moves in free agency to address key needs on both sides of the ball. By shoring up the offensive line and linebacker corps, Cleveland is setting itself up to field a more complete team around whichever quarterback emerges as the starter in 2026.