Sam Williams signs with Browns after Cowboys release

The move

Defensive end Sam Williams signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns after the Dallas Cowboys released him on Sunday. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the move came as the Browns address a significant shortage at the edge rusher position heading into the 2026 season.

Williams’ background and production

Williams was a 2022 second-round draft pick by Dallas. Over three seasons with the Cowboys, he has recorded 9.5 sacks. In 2025, his most recent season, he appeared in all 17 games and finished with 37 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. However, he missed the entire 2024 season after tearing his ACL, limiting his availability for a full two-year span.

Why the Browns needed him

Cleveland made a significant trade earlier this offseason, sending edge rusher Myles Garrett away and acquiring Jared Verse plus three draft picks over the next three years. Despite adding Verse, the Browns’ edge rusher depth became a critical problem. They pursued pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney but were unable to sign either. Additionally, defensive end Alex Wright suffered an injury, further straining the position. With Isaiah McGuire and Derek Barnett as their only other defensive ends on the roster, the Browns lacked meaningful depth at the spot with less than two weeks before the 2026 season begins. Williams provides a needed addition to the group and could emerge as the second-best edge rusher on the roster behind Verse, according to reporting from the Sporting News.

Sources

• Yahoo Sports — Sam Williams signs with Browns after Cowboys release · Reports: Browns plan to sign DE Sam Williams
• NBC Sports
• Sporting News

Featured photo: Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)