Dawand Jones #79 of the Cleveland Browns
Getty
Dawand Jones #79 of the Cleveland Browns
As much as the Cleveland Browns are wrestling with their decision on adding a quarterback to what was, statistically speaking, the worst QB room in the NFL in 2025, the fact is that the most daunting task they have ahead of them is filling out the offensive line, which has five potential free agents and very little on the depth chart. That work already began this week with the acquisition of tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans, a move that probably will see Howard slotted in at right tackle.
There’s plenty more work to be done. While some of the Browns’ future up front hinges on what happens with veteran stalwart Joel Bitonio, who is likely to retire but could come back to the Browns–or leave elsewhere in free agency–in the coming days, there is yet a chance they can scrape up a potential starter from the current roster.
That would be oft-injured Dawand Jones, the 2023 fourth-round pick out of who has played just 24 games in three NFL seasons. The Howard deal could well mean Jones moves to guard.
Dawand Jones Had Nasty Injury for Browns in 2025
Jones was out for all but three games for the Browns in 2025, after he suffered a nasty injury in Week 3, tearing his LCL and tearing his hamstring off the bone. But he is expected to be healthy in time for the 2026 season, and is still a viable option to rejoin the starting group.
After playing tackle his first three seasons, though, Jones is likely not going to stick around at that position. He’s more likely to kick inside and hope to earn a spot at guard.
That’s from ESPN Cleveland insider Tony Grossi, who writes on Twitter/X that there were some ripple effects from the Howard trade: “Browns trade for RT Tytus Howard means:
LT remains priority in draft, unless Browns sign starter in UFA or trade.
If Joel Bitonio returns at LG (we’ll know by March 10), Browns have 2 dependable veteran starters in hand.
Possibility exists of moving Dawand Jones inside.”
Tytus Howard, Houston Texans
GettyTytus Howard, new Browns addition
Dawand Jones Has Not Played Guard
Indeed, later Grossi projected how the Browns offensive line could look on Week 1, and Jones was at least a candidate at right guard. He added, “My Browns O-line rebuild: LT Monroe Freeling (draft) LG Joel Bitonio (returner) C Cade Mays (UFA) RG Zak Zinter/Dawand Jones/KT Leveston (returners) RT Tytus Howard (trade).”
Worth noting, however, is that Jones has, in three NFL seasons, played exactly two snaps at guard, per Pro Football Focus. He has bounced some from left tackle to right tackle, but never to guard. When he was coming out of college, though, one of the knocks on Jones (who is a massive 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds) was that he had good size and length but was not athletic enough–traits that could make sense for a move inside.
Browns Trade Could Facilitate Move
Browns general manager Andrew Berry was asked about Jones and his progress from the injury at the combine, and the fact that Jones is working out at the team facility and making progress seems to indicate that the team is still figuring out how to work him into their plans.
“He is progressing well, he has been in there every day,” Berry said. “He has done a really nice job with his rehab and he’s right on track. I would expect him to factor in.”
Howard is being slotted in as right tackle (though he has spent significant time at guard), and because the Browns probably won’t trust the left tackle spot to Jones, logic would dictate he moves inside.