Browns Sign Ex-Jets LB Williams, Swap for Bush

0:00On March 10, day 1 of the NFL free agency negotiating period wrapped up, and the Cleveland Browns made a smart pivot at Linebacker. They lost their own Devon Bush to the Chicago Bears on a three-year $30 million deal after his strong season with 125. Tackles, three interceptions, and two pick-sixes. Instead, the Browns grabbed former Jets Linebacker Quincy Williams on a two-year deal worth up to $17 million. Here this week, the move felt like a bargain compared to Bush's price tag. Williams turns 30 in August and comes off a tough year in New York with injuries and some coverage struggles, but he still posted 83. Tackles and 3.5 sacks in just 13 games. Browns fans might appreciate the coaching ties here. New defensive coordinator Mike Routenberg knows Williams well from their time together in Jacksonville back in 2019 when Routenberg, all-forward, helped Coach him as a rookie. Routenberg even mentioned building that kind of player bond just last week.

1:02Williams shown brightest in 2023 under a scheme similar to where Routenberg runs, with 95 solo tackles and 10 pass. Breakups. Pairing him with defensive rookie of the year, Carson Schresinger, could shore up the middle of Cleveland's defense nicely. This calculated swap keeps the Browns competitive without breaking the bank, setting up an intriguing offseason ahead as they build around their young, stars.