Browns Sign Williams for Half the Cost of Bush

0:00On March 18th, the Cleveland Browns lost their top free agent linebacker, Devin Bush, to the Chicago Bears this offseason. Bush, at age 27, signed a three-year deal worth $30 million after a breakout season with 125 tackles, two. Sacks, two force fumbles, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Browns quickly signed Quincy Williams to a two-year, $17 million contract as a replacement. Williams brings familiarity with new defensive coordinator, Mike Routenberg, from their days together on the New York Jet Staff. Fans see this as a smart move because Williams' deal has just $9 million fully guaranteed and uses void years to keep his cap hit low at two. $0.6 million in 2026, that leaves plenty of room under the Browns tight salary cap. Compared to Bush's $10 million per year average and $21 million in guarantees, Williams costs about half as much in real cash, while entering his age 30 season off a quieter year with 83 tackles.

1:04If Williams rebounds under Routenberg's scheme, this pivot could prove a bargain for Cleveland's defense moving forward. Made in AI.