On Sunday, the New York Jets will face not only the Cleveland Browns, but also their former starting linebacker of five seasons, Quincy Williams.
The Jets’ 2023 All-Pro made it clear that he is ready to make his former squad regret letting him go.
“The biggest thing is letting my game speak it for itself, and then on top of that, letting the film speak volume to how they (the Jets) would feel about it. My biggest thing last year was, ‘Alright, I don’t re-sign, I know y’all are going to have a nightmare playing against me,’ so, nightmare starts on Sunday.”
Williams played in 78 games for the Jets from 2021-25, starting 73. He racked up 554 total tackles, 58 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, 27 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception.
In 2023, Williams earned first-team All-Pro honors for his efforts, posting a career-best 139 total tackles to go with 10 passes defended, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two sacks.
Williams, 30, walked in free agency to the Cleveland Browns this offseason, signing a two-year, $13 million deal with $9 million guaranteed. He has started all four games for the 3-1 Browns, collecting 23 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass defense. While he does not have a sack, Williams has been very active as a blitzer, tying for second among off-ball linebackers with nine total pressures.
On Sunday, Williams will be tasked with covering a Jets tight end unit that will be getting back Mason Taylor, pairing him with 2026 first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq. Williams will also face off with a struggling Jets run game that has not rushed for more than 67 yards since Week 1.
If Williams and the Browns’ defense enjoy a successful outing, it would give Cleveland a strong chance of burying the Jets in a 1-4 hole, which would indeed be a “nightmare” for the franchise.
