Full Breakdown
Browns Add Former Cowboys Pass Rusher Sam Williams to Active Roster
9/2/2026, 1:14:17 AM
Core Transaction
On August 28, 2026, the Cleveland Browns signed defensive end Sam Williams to their 53-man roster after the Dallas Cowboys released him the previous Sunday. The move was part of a series of roster adjustments that also saw the Browns add cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, place defensive tackle Kalia Davis on injured reserve, and waive cornerback Michael Coats Jr.
Background & Context
Williams entered the NFL as the Cowboys’ No. 56 overall pick in the 2022 draft. He finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, posting four sacks, 10 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and three fumble recoveries in his debut season. In 2023 he recorded 26 tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one sack before an ACL injury in training camp forced him to miss the entire 2024 season.
Cleveland entered the offseason with a depleted pass-rush corps after defensive end Alex Wright suffered a gut-punch injury and the team released Julian Okwara. The Browns had already signed Derek Barnett to serve as a third defensive end, but the front office indicated a need for additional depth, prompting the acquisition of Williams.
Data & Statistics
- Draft position: 2nd-round, 56th overall (2022)
- 2022 rookie season: 4 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 9 QB hits, 3 fumble recoveries
- 2023 season: 4.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits, 1 sack (career-high 37 tackles)
- 2024: Missed entire season due to ACL injury
- Physical profile: 6-foot-4, 260 lb
Official Statements & Responses
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer explained the decision to cut Williams, emphasizing the need to avoid overvaluing a single preseason performance:
“There’s nothing that Sam didn’t do. I thought Sam played. And I thought he played awesome against New Orleans. But when you make these decisions, you’ve got to be very smart and careful that you don’t overvalue the last preseason game. It’s part of the process. It’s part of all the joints and the training camp practices and then the special teams,” — Brian Schottenheimer, cowboys head coach
Cleveland’s front office did not issue a formal comment in the immediate reports, but the signing was framed as a “secondary pass-rusher” addition that could bolster the Browns’ defensive line depth for the upcoming season.
Why It Matters
The acquisition gives the Browns a young, once-promising pass rusher who still has a contract year remaining and could contribute on special teams and rotational packages. With the Browns’ defensive line already thin from injuries, Williams’ experience as a starter and his proven ability to generate pressure may help mitigate the loss of Wright and improve the team’s pass-rush productivity.
What’s Next
The Browns will integrate Williams into their defensive scheme during upcoming training-camp practices and preseason games. His performance will be evaluated alongside Derek Barnett and other edge players as the team finalizes its 53-man roster ahead of the regular season.
