The Cleveland Browns added a familiar face to their practice squad on Tuesday, signing veteran defensive tackle Chris Williams after he was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the 53-man roster deadline.
Williams had signed with Atlanta in the offseason to provide interior depth on the defensive line. He followed Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham from Chicago to Atlanta, where Cunningham had previously worked. The move to Cleveland connects Williams with a new organization, one that happens to be led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, who previously coached the Browns before joining Atlanta.
According to Yahoo Sports, Williams has appeared in 44 career games and recorded 43 tackles, 26 of them solo, along with four sacks and 10 quarterback hits. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent and has carved out a roster spot in the NFL through interior play and pocket disruption.
In Atlanta, Williams lost his spot when the Falcons traded for Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. The Falcons were dealing with a depleted defensive front, down both starting edge rushers heading into the regular season. James Pearce was set to return after serving an eight-game suspension, but the team moved to address the interior by acquiring Dexter, who offered more size and the ability to push the pocket. That move pushed Williams out.
Cleveland's interest in Williams comes at a time when the Browns are still adjusting to life without All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett's absence leaves a significant void in Cleveland's front seven, and the team has been building depth across the roster to compensate. Williams joins a practice squad that gives the Browns a reserve option with professional experience on the interior.
The Browns signed Williams to their 16-man practice squad, giving the team 16 players on that unit heading into the opening of the regular season.
