Getty
The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive tackle Kalia Davis.
The Cleveland Browns added some valuable starting experience to their defensive line, signing defensive tackle Kalia Davis.
Davis signed a one-year deal with the Browns worth up to $3 million, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. He was initially a sixth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. Davis didn’t see much action early in his career but started all 17 games last season. He recorded 28 tackles, four tackles for loss and a half-sack.
Davis joins a defensive tackle group in Cleveland that includes Mason Graham, Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr.
The Browns finished last season 5-12 but had one of the more formidable defenses in the league. The defensive line was a massive part of that. Myles Garrett has been the engine of the group. The All-Pro pass-rusher notched 23 sacks last season, setting the NFL single-season record.
Browns Adding Pieces to Defense
While most of the core pieces are expected to return for the Browns, the team has made a couple of additions. Cleveland lost linebacker Devin Bush to the Chicago Bears, but quickly signed Quincy Williams to replace him.
Williams is familiar with new Browns defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, who is taking over for Jim Schwartz, who resigned after being passed over for the head coaching job.
“Oh, that’s my dawg,” Williams said. “He’s like my brother. First thing before we talk about football, the biggest thing is (Rutenberg) cares about the heart. Biggest thing, what I did off the field affects what I do on the field. That’s why he wanted to tackle both things so I can show up as myself, show up as this personality, always smiling as me, show up every single day at work like that.”
Williams was an All-Pro in 2023 and finished last season with 83 tackles in 13 games. He previously had recorded 100-plus tackles in four straight seasons.
“I’ll be rejuvenated, No. 1, for having a different team,” Williams said. “And then I’ll be rejuvenated No. 2 by being in the same scheme. No. 3, also him being the defensive coordinator is one of those things where I know for a fact I’m going to be put in the best position possible.”
Browns Still Need Help on Offense
While the Browns have made some solid additions, they still have some significant holes on the offensive side of the ball.
Cleveland shored up the offensive line with the additions of Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson in free agency. The team also traded for veteran tackle Tytus Howard. The Browns are moving on from Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Jack Conklin. The team is still awaiting word from former All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio, who is weighing retirement.
The Browns also have a significant need at wide receiver. But the team will likely turn to the draft to find their next standout pass-catcher. Cleveland holds two first-round picks (No. 6 and 24) and 10 overall selections.
The Browns have already met with Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson, two of the top receiver prospects. Cleveland are also expected to have top-30 visits with Makai Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
More Heavy on Browns
Loading more stories