Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns
Getty
Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns
Much has been made about the Cleveland Browns and the impending offensive line crisis the team is facing when the league year opens on March 11. The team has five starting offensive linemen on hand, and none of the five are sure things to return in 2026. They’re all free agents and one of the best among them–Wyatt Teller–has already penned his social media farewell to Cleveland.
Of all the losses the Browns could have on up front on the offense, none would be more jolting than not having guard Joel Bitonio back on the field with the team. Bitonio was a second-round draft pick in 2014, and has been a high-impact player for most of his Cleveland career since, starting every game except two going all the way back to 2017.
He has made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in his NFL career, but at age 34, he is weighing the decision on whether to play next season or not. The original deadline for Bitonio to decide on retirement passed last week, but the Browns agreed to let him push the decision into March.
Browns Have Had Joel Bitonio for 12 Years
Per Spotrac, Bitonio has earned more than $107 million in his career with the Browns, and it would be understandable if he decided he’d had enough of the league. He played last year on a one-year, $15 million contract, and the site puts his market value at $12.9 million for next season.
According to Browns GM Andrew Berry, if Bitonio decides he wants to come back next season, Cleveland would welcome him onto the roster and, presumably, back into his starting spot at guard–as well as onto the payroll at a contract in that neighborhood.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
GettyCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
Berry: ‘Absolutely’ Would Be Welcomed Back
Bitonio posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.7 last season, which ranked No. 21 among 79 guards in the NFL. He’s still plenty capable of handling his position.
Berry indicated that when he was asked about whether the team would take Bitonio back if he wants to play. “Absolutely,” he said.
But Berry said that the team is giving Bitonio space to make up his mind on what’s next.
“Joel’s still working through that and at this point in his career, this point in his life, he deserves the time and space to do that, stay in regular communications and we’ll work through that at the appropriate time,” Berry told reporters on Tuesday at the NFL draft combine.
Browns Are Not Guaranteed to Keep Joel Bitonio
Around Cleveland, the presumption remains that Bitonio will either be back with the Browns in 2026, or he will be out of the NFL altogether. There still, though, is the possibility that he decides to play another season, but does so elsewhere, perhaps with an outfit that is more prepared to contend next season.
ESPN raised that possibility last week, calling Bitonio the player on the Browns who could most use a change of scenery. While seeing Bitonio in another uniform would be a stunner, he’s only played in two playoff games in 12 seasons, and that’s ample reason for him to consider leaving.
The site added: “Bitonio is still a top-caliber guard in the league, but he deserves to play for a winner before his career is over. … Bitonio is a free agent this offseason, and he makes a lot of sense as a one-year plug-in for a playoff contender that needs an upgrade at the position. Could we interest coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers?”