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Sam Williams Signs With Browns After Cowboys Release

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Sam Williams #54 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter of the 2026 NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sam Williams didn’t have to wait long to find a new NFL home. After being released by the Cowboys on Sunday as part of their final cuts, the pass rusher is reportedly being signed by the Cleveland Browns.

Williams, a 2022 second-round pick by Dallas, played out his rookie deal and was brought back this offseason for a last chance to compete. Even though Dallas kept six edge rushers on Sunday, Williams was surprisingly not among them. Instead, they went with Tyrus Wheat, an undrafted player in 2023 whom they’ve spent most of the last three years developing.

The Browns plan to sign free agent pass rusher Sam Williams, per sources. pic.twitter.com/12xKH1oqy7

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 1, 2026

Williams, no stranger to social media, didn’t wait long to share his enthusiasm about his new employer.

Go dawgs ???? pic.twitter.com/nEU66JihzQ

— SAM WILLIAMS SR (@DegarrickSamuel) September 1, 2026

Despite his draft status and numerous occasions of flashed potential, Williams only started five games in four years. His 2024 season was lost to a training camp ACL injury, which may have very well altered the trajectory of his entire Cowboys run.

Dallas still thought enough of Williams to give him $2 million in guaranteed money, with added incentives, for his 2026 opportunity. But once the Cowboys signed veteran Von Miller, the writing on the wall started to form concerning Williams’ prospects.

Now, Sam Williams will join a Browns pass rush entering its post-Myles Garrett era.