Cleveland Browns veteran Joel Bitonio has some more time to weigh his future.
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Cleveland Browns veteran Joel Bitonio has some more time to weigh his future.
Cleveland Browns veteran offensive guard Joel Bitonio will have a little more time to think about his future.
Bitonio’s contract was set to be voided with the Browns on Monday. But the 34-year-old and the team have decided to push that start to the end of the league year, per Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. If the contract had voided on Monday, a $23 million dead cap charge would have been accelerated to the 2026 season.
“The Browns and Joel Bitonio agreed to push the void date back on his contract until the end of the league year in March, according to a source,” Lloyd said. “It gives Bitonio about three more weeks to decide on his future. The previous deadline was yesterday.”
It’s the second consecutive offseason where Bitonio — the longest tenured member of the Browns — has contemplated retirement. He battled injuries but started all 17 games last season during the Browns’ 5-12 campaign.
“There’s retirement, there’s free agency — you know, I’ve never done that in my life,” Bitoni said in January after what could have been his final game. “There is so much stuff that goes into it. I’ll take it in.
“Last year, I thought about it, if I wanted to be done. This year, it’s last year on the contract, last year I signed up for, so it’s definitely a possibility. This could very well be the last time you put a Browns helmet on. But, you never know.”
Browns Offensive Line Will See Major Turnover
Bitonio remains a central piece of the puzzle for a Browns offensive line that is headed for significant change.
Cleveland could be forced to replace multiple starters up front. Guard Wyatt Teller, center Ethan Pocic and tackle Jack Conklin are all set to hit free agency, while the lone projected returner, Dawand Jones, is working his way back from a season-ending knee injury.
General manager Andrew Berry acknowledged that turnover is coming as the Browns continue reshaping the roster.
“I think the reality of it is a year ago, when we decided to make the pivot that we did, you also realize that you’re not going to be able to accomplish everything at once for the roster,” Berry said. “The offensive line, that’s a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026. But we also do feel like it was important this year, and quite honestly going into next year, to give young players snaps if we’re ultimately going to build the core and foundation that we need to win perennially.”
Browns Could Say Goodbye to Multiple Key Players
Bitonio is not the only veteran Browns player who could be out of the mix next season. Tight end David Njoku, Teller and others could also be on the move.
Njoku is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. He preeminently announced his departure on social media.
“Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!!” Njoku said. “All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”
The Browns are transitioning under new head coach Todd Monken, who is expected to re-tool the offense. The unit managed just 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game — near the bottom of the NFL.