Cleveland Browns sign former high draft picks Noah Igbinoghene and Sam Williams
The Cleveland Browns have officially signed cornerback Noah Igbinoghene and defensive end Sam Williams, two former high draft picks, in a move to add significant depth to their defense. The team announced the signings on September 1, 2026, as part of a larger shuffle of their active roster and practice squad.
These acquisitions provide experienced reinforcements at key positions for Cleveland. Igbinoghene, a former first-round selection, joins the cornerback room, while Williams, a former second-rounder, aims to bolster a defensive end group impacted by recent injuries and departures.
Browns sign Noah Igbinoghene to address defensive needs
The team confirmed the transactions on Tuesday afternoon, making several corresponding moves to finalize their 53-man roster. To make space for the new additions, the Browns placed defensive tackle Kalia Davis on the reserve/injured list due to a quad injury and waived cornerback Michael Coats Jr.
These moves reflect a front office actively seeking to upgrade talent and respond to the physical demands of the preseason. Like other teams across the league making last-minute adjustments, such as when the Orioles claimed a player off waivers for a playoff push, the Browns are seizing opportunities to strengthen their squad.
Beyond the active roster, Cleveland also bolstered its developmental unit. The organization signed defensive tackle Sam Kamara, running back Jaleel McLaughlin, tight end Messiah Swinson, and defensive tackle Chris Williams to its practice squad, ensuring depth is available throughout the season.
A closer look at new cornerback Noah Igbinoghene
Noah Igbinoghene arrives in Cleveland with the pedigree of a first-round draft pick. Originally selected 30th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, he brings a wealth of experience from several different defensive systems, which could accelerate his integration into the Browns’ defense.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, Igbinoghene is an athletic corner known for his speed, a trait that runs in his family. He is the son of Nigerian Olympic track and field athletes Festus Igbinoghene and Faith Idehen, giving him a genetic foundation for elite athleticism.
From first-round pick to journeyman corner
Despite his high draft status, Igbinoghene’s career has been a winding road. He spent his first three seasons (2020-2022) with the Dolphins, who ultimately declined his fifth-year contract option. This decision made him a free agent and set him on a path that has included several stops.
In 2023, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. He later had stints with the Washington Commanders (2024-2025) and spent the 2026 preseason with the Seattle Seahawks before his release. Now in his seventh NFL season, he joins the Browns looking for a stable home where his talent can be fully realized.
Throughout his career, Igbinoghene has appeared in 69 games with 17 starts. He has accumulated 114 career tackles, 17 passes defensed, and one interception. That production shows a player who has been a consistent contributor, even while moving between teams.
What Igbinoghene brings to the Cleveland secondary
For the Browns, Igbinoghene represents a low-risk, high-reward signing. He provides immediate depth in a secondary that demands it and brings extensive special teams experience. He will wear No. 20 for Cleveland.
His journey through the league means he’s been exposed to multiple coaching staffs and defensive schemes. This adaptability could be a major asset for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who may use him in various sub-packages to match up against different offensive looks. He offers a fresh start for the player and a valuable depth piece for the team.
Sam Williams gets a fresh start in Cleveland
The signing of defensive end Sam Williams provides a much-needed injection of talent into the Browns’ pass rush. A powerful edge player at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Williams was a second-round pick (56th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft.
His availability came as a surprise to some, as he was released by the Cowboys during final roster cuts on August 30. Cleveland acted quickly to secure his services, bringing in a player who has shown flashes of dominance and possesses the raw tools to become a disruptive force.
The strategic importance of the Williams signing
Williams’ arrival is particularly timely for the Browns. The team’s defensive end depth was recently tested by the season-ending Achilles tear suffered by Alex Wright and the departure of star pass-rusher Myles Garrett. The front office had reportedly pursued other veterans like Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith, making the Williams signing a critical acquisition.
He joins a defensive line rotation and will be counted on to provide pressure opposite the remaining starters. At just 27 years old and coming from a successful tenure in Dallas, he has the potential to be more than just a depth piece and could earn a significant role as the season progresses.
Overcoming adversity and career so far
Williams’ NFL journey has included significant challenges. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL and a partial MCL tear during training camp. His ability to return and play a full 17-game season in 2025 is a testament to his work ethic and resilience.
In 49 career games with the Cowboys, Williams recorded 9.5 sacks, 80 total tackles, and an impressive 85 quarterback pressures. During the 2025 season, he tallied 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, showcasing his well-rounded game against both the run and the pass.
Before entering the NFL, he was a standout at the University of Mississippi. In his final season at Ole Miss in 2021, he set a school record with 12.5 sacks, demonstrating the high-end pass-rushing potential the Browns hope to unlock.
Roster shake-up signals aggressive strategy
The acquisitions of Igbinoghene and Williams underscore an aggressive roster management strategy by the Browns’ front office. Instead of standing pat, the team is actively seeking to improve its depth by signing talented players who became available after the league-wide roster cutdowns.
Both players fit the mold of a “change of scenery” candidate. As former high draft picks, their talent is undeniable, but for various reasons, they have yet to find a long-term fit. Cleveland is betting that its coaching staff and team culture can provide the environment needed for them to thrive.
This approach carries minimal risk but offers a substantial potential reward. If either Igbinoghene or Williams can recapture the form that made them such highly-touted prospects, the Browns will have added starting-caliber talent at a fraction of the cost. It’s a calculated gamble on talent and potential.
Looking ahead, both players will be integrated into the team’s preparations immediately. They offer versatility and competition, pushing the existing players on the roster while providing crucial insurance against further injuries. These moves signal that Cleveland is committed to building a deep and resilient roster capable of competing throughout the long NFL season.