The Cleveland Browns will replace 2-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett with Pro Bowler Jared Verse. But a team can’t possibly make up for the loss of Garrett with one player. That’s why the Browns could supplement their new edge rusher with another trade involving Dallas Cowboys former second-round pick Sam Williams.
On Saturday, SI on Browns’ Nick Pedone named acquiring Williams from Dallas one of three realistic trades Cleveland could still make this month.
“Williams is a former second-round draft pick that just hasn’t panned out yet for the Cowboys. Berry loves reclamation projects that are still young. Williams is only 27, and could probably be acquired on the cheap. He signed a one-year deal to return to Dallas, but his role is somewhat up in the air,” wrote Pedone.
“Even before trading away Garrett, the Browns could’ve used some extra pass rush help. This would be a low risk flier.”
The Cowboys grabbed Williams at No. 56 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. As Pedone suggested, the edge rusher would be a reclamation project in Cleveland.
Over 49 NFL games, Williams has just 22 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits and 9.5 sacks. He had one sack in 17 games last season.
Why Cowboys’ Sam Williams Could Fit With Browns
GettySI on Browns’ Nick Pedone named Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams a trade target for the Cleveland Browns.
As Pedone explained, the Browns were a team that could have been in the market for an edge rusher anyway. They didn’t do much in March or April to improve the group.
Now having traded Garrett, the Browns could obviously use more talent at the position.
There are a lot of veteran edge rushers still left in NFL free agency. But it doesn’t really make sense for the Browns to pursue someone such as Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney. Those are short-term solutions, and Cleveland is building its roster with an emphasis on future success.
Therefore, it makes a lot more sense for the Browns to take a risk on someone such as Williams. He would cost something to acquire, but likely not much. If it works out, the Browns would reap the benefit for years.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams received a lot of hype as a pass rusher, but scouts saw him needing more development as a run defender. According to Pro Football Focus, that prediction has mostly come to fruition. However, last season, he had below average PFF grades in run defense and pass rush.
Browns Trying to Replace Myles Garrett Before 2026
GettySI on Browns’ Nick Pedone argued the Cleveland Browns could pursue trade for Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams to help replace Myles Garrett.
The direction of Cleveland’s franchise drastically changed when the team traded Garrett on June 1.
Of course, the Browns still want to be competitive in 2026. But the message from Andrew Berry was loud and clear — the Browns are a few years away from seriously competing.
Cleveland is acquiring as many young assets — players and draft picks — as possible to prepare the team for success down the road.
So it’s not necessarily vital the Browns replace all of Garrett’s production immediately. But there’s little doubt Garrett leaves a major hole.
Verse will help. The 25-year-old won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2024 and posted 7.5 sacks last season.
Opposite Verse, the Browns appear prepared to start Alex Wright, Julian Okwara and Isaiah McGuire along the edge. Undrafted free agent edge rushers Logan Fano and Tyreak Sapp could possibly be options too.
There’s little reason to believe Williams couldn’t offer a potential upgrade. Wright had 5.5 sacks last season. Outside of that, though, it’s a very unproven group.
Last season, Williams registered seven tackles for loss and four quarterback hits to go with his lone sack. It was his first season back after missing an entire year following a torn ACL in July 2024.
In 2023, Williams had 4.5 sacks with five tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits in 17 games.
Browns Could Roll Dice on ‘Low-Risk Flier,’ Cowboys Ex-2nd Round Pick