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Quincy Williams

Linebacker · Murray State

An All-Pro linebacker whose speed made him a fixture with the Jets before he reunited with a former coach in Cleveland.

Quincy Williams came out of Murray State and developed into one of the NFL's rangiest linebackers with the New York Jets. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 at the peak of his run. Williams signed with the Cleveland Browns in March 2026, reuniting with a coach who shaped his best seasons.

★ First-team All-Pro (2023)

★ 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2025

Path to the league

Williams played college football at Murray State and entered the NFL before catching on with the Jets, where his speed earned him a starting role. His first NFL linebackers coach, Mike Rutenberg, oversaw his early development. He has described his downhill style as a cheetah chasing a gazelle.

Career highlights

Williams earned first-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press in 2023 after a season with 95 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and 10 pass deflections. His 2023 and 2024 seasons were his best, both with Rutenberg as his linebackers coach. That track record made him a sought-after free agent.

2025 season

Williams started 12 of 13 games in 2025, recording 83 tackles, eight for loss, 3.5 sacks and seven passes defensed. He signed a two-year deal worth up to $17 million with the Browns on March 13, 2026, reuniting with Rutenberg, now Cleveland's defensive coordinator. The move came as the Browns replaced Devin Bush, who left for Chicago.