Rookie Browns' Gaffe Sparks Nationwide NFL Shock!

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 9: Linebacker Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets follows the action during the NFL 2025 game between Cleveland Browns and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) | Getty Images Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry had a decision to make with linebacker Devin Bush heading into free agency. Bush had spent the past two seasons with the Browns and was entering free agency after a 2025 season in which he posted a career-high 125 tackles and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns.

Berry had to weigh whether signing Bush to another deal was worth the gamble that the seven-year veteran would continue to play at that level, or return to the subpar play he had posted before coming to Cleveland. The Chicago Bears took the question off the table when they signed Bush to a three-year contract, leaving Berry to turn instead to veteran Quincy Williams, a former first-team All-Pro who had fallen out of favor with the New York Jets. Cleveland is banking on Williams regaining that form under defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who worked with Williams with the Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the first week of free agency in the books, let’s take a look at some opinions on the decision to sign Williams. Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling: B The Browns named Mike Rutenberg their defensive coordinator in late February. In mid-March, they signed former 2023 All-Pro Williams, one of Rutenberg’s linebackers from their time together with the New York Jets.

The Browns had just lost free-agent linebacker Devin Bush to a deal with the Chicago Bears, and it was a definite need for a defense mostly returning intact. Williams fills that void, while also providing Rutenberg with a valuable locker room ally. Pro Football Focus: Below Average Williams had a fantastic 2023 season, earning an 88.