Browns Expected To Sign DE Sam Williams

The Browns plan to sign Williams, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The former second-round pick remained in place with the Cowboys on a pact containing $2MM in guarantees this offseason, but Dallas has since made several additions along the edge. Williams was among the players released this weekend as part of the team’s moves to set a 53-man roster. This will be an active roster move, per Fowler.

Instead of potentially joining the Cowboys’ practice squad, the 27-year-old will aim to carve out a depth role on the Browns. Cleveland’s pass rush group was dealt a blow when Alex Wright suffered a torn Achilles. He was moved to injured reserve last week, confirming an absence spanning the entire 2026 campaign. Cleveland brought in Derek Barnett as depth in the wake of Wright’s injury.

Yesterday, Julian Okwara was waived as part of the Browns’ roster shuffle. That created the possibility of another veteran addition in the pass rush department, especially with Cleveland’s recent pursuit of Za’Darius Smith having fallen short. Jared Verse – acquired from the Rams as part of the Myles Garrett blockbuster – is in position to handle a starting role in 2026 (and well beyond, provided his Browns tenure lasts more than the final two years of his rookie contract).

Cleveland’s setup beyond Verse is unsettled, though. Williams will aim to at least operate as a rotational presence on his new team. The Ole Miss product made 49 appearances with Dallas, including a full campaign in 2025 after missing the previous season due to an ACL tear. Williams has 9.5 sacks and 85 QB pressures to his name after playing a depth role with the Cowboys. He will look to boost his market with a productive outing in Cleveland.