Quincy Williams will not land with Robert Saleh or Jeff Ulbrich. Instead, the former Jets All-Pro linebacker is bound for Cleveland.
The veteran is joining the Browns on a two-year deal worth up to $17MM, NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweets. Williams is reuniting with one of Cleveland’s staffers, however, with new Browns DC Mike Rutenberg being the Jets’ linebackers coach from 2021-24.
Although the current Jets regime has largely dismantled that defensive core, the Saleh-Ulbrich-Rutenberg trio powered a top-five unit in back-to-back years. Williams was at his best in those seasons, earning first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2023.
The Jets had re-signed Williams on a three-year, $18MM, but the Aaron Glenn-Darren Mougey regime then inked less accomplished holdover Jamien Sherwood to a three-year, $45MM pact. Williams played out his deal last season, being mentioned in trade rumors. A Cowboys trade along with brother Quinnen nearly went down, but the Jets instead retained the older Williams brother to finish out a dreadful 2025 slate.
Williams saw his playing time decrease under Glenn, and it was not believed to be a cozy partnership. But the speedy linebacker excelled under Rutenberg. Grading Williams 77th overall among off-ball LBs in 2025, Pro Football Focus slotted him ninth during the ’23 season — when the Jets ranked third in total defense. New York ranked fourth in scoring and yardage in 2022, with Williams and C.J. Mosley manning the LB spots under Rutenberg.
Formerly a waiver claim after the then-Urban Meyer-led Jaguars cut bait, Williams has four 100-tackle seasons and has been effective as a blitzer (12.5 career sacks). He is heading into an age-30 season. Quite productive in 2025 under Jim Schwartz, Bush joined the Bears on a three-year, $30MM deal earlier today. Williams will play alongside Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, with Rutenberg giving him a chance to bounce back after a down 2025.
Or with his brother, for that matter.