Browns Sign Linebacker Quincy Williams to Replace Devin Bush

Can Williams fill the void left by the departure of the star linebacker?

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent linebacker Quincy Williams to a two-year, $17 million contract. This move comes after the team lost Devin Bush, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Bears. While Williams has a decorated resume, the production gap between the two players is notable, with Bush recording 125 tackles and 3 interceptions last season compared to Williams' 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Why it matters

The Browns are banking on the existing relationship between Williams and new Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg to help the linebacker regain his 2023 All-Pro form. However, replacing a 125-tackle player with a soon-to-be 30-year-old who struggled to reach 90 tackles last year is a risk, especially since the defense was the backbone of the team.

The details

The Browns signed Williams to a two-year deal worth up to $17 million, a calculated gamble to replace the production of Devin Bush. While Williams was ranked the 10th best off-ball linebacker available this cycle, trailing Bush at 7th, the Browns are hoping that his familiarity with Rutenberg will help him regain his previous All-Pro level of play.

  • The Browns signed Williams to a two-year deal on March 10, 2026.
  • Bush signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason.

The players

Quincy Williams

A free agent linebacker who the Browns signed to a two-year, $17 million contract. Williams was previously an All-Pro in 2023 and is reuniting with Browns Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who was his first NFL linebacker coach.

Devin Bush

A linebacker who played for the Browns in 2025 and recorded 125 tackles and 3 interceptions, but left in free agency to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

Mike Rutenberg

The new Defensive Coordinator for the Browns, who previously coached Quincy Williams as his first NFL linebacker coach.

Carson Schwesinger

The other starting linebacker for the Browns, who will be paired with the newly signed Quincy Williams.

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What they’re saying

“While Williams brings a decorated resume, the move looks like a calculated gamble. According to ESPN Matt Bowen's rankings, Williams was the No. 10 off-ball linebacker available this cycle, trailing Bush, who sat at No. 7.”

— Andy McNamara, Author (Sporting News)

“The deciding factor in this signing appears to be familiarity. Williams' first linebacker coach in the NFL was Mike Rutenberg, who is now the Browns new Defensive Coordinator. Cleveland is banking on that existing relationship to help Williams regain his 2023 All-Pro form.”

— Andy McNamara, Author (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Browns will be hoping that Quincy Williams can quickly develop chemistry with Carson Schwesinger and regain his All-Pro form under the tutelage of new Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

The takeaway

This signing represents a calculated risk by the Browns to replace the production of Devin Bush at a lower cost. While Williams has the potential to excel, the team is banking heavily on the coaching staff's ability to maximize his talents and overcome the significant statistical gap between the two players.