Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns
Getty
Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns
There will be no delaying further the decision that currently lies with stalwart Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, the team’s starting left guard going back to when he was picked in the second round out of Nevada back in 2014. Now, Bitonio is 34 years old and though he is still capable of playing at a high level, he has been contemplating calling it a career and retiring.
Originally, there was a deadline in place for Bitonio to make his decision last month, but both team and player agreed to push that deadline back to the opening of the league year. That’s tomorrow, March 11, which means that Cleveland is expecting Bitonio’s decision on retirement today, Tuesday, March 10.
Browns Might Have Hinted at Joel Bitonio Decision Already
While Bitonio was not front and center on Monday, the opening of the NFL’s legal tampering period and the de facto start of free agency, his presence was felt as the Browns signed guard Zion Johnson from the Chargers to a three-year, $49.5 million contract.
According to Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the signing of Johnson does not preclude a Bitonio return.
She wrote on Twitter/X: “Landing ex-#Chargers 1st round guard Zion Johnson was the#Browns‘ top priority as they headed into the negotiating period today. They now have at least 2 o-line spots filled — and this doesn’t mean that JoelBitonio isn’t coming back. He’s still deciding.”
But it is hard to ignore that both Johnson and Bitonio have spent their careers as left guards. Yes, it’s easier for guards to flop spots from the left side to the right side than it is for tackles, but it’s not preferred, and asking for a position change is certainly not how the team would like to treat a player it just agreed to pay $16.5 million per year.
New Cleveland Browns signee Zion Johnson, who is slated to replace Joel Bitonio if he retires.
GettyNew Cleveland Browns signee Zion Johnson, who is slated to replace Joel Bitonio if he retires.
Browns Would Roll Out the Red Carpet
Still, if Bitonio wants to play again in 2026 and wants to be in Cleveland, the Browns would roll out the red carpet for him and figure out how to arrange the offensive line later. The Browns have already filled their right tackle spot with a trade for Tytus Howard from the Titans and, for now at least, have Johnson at left guard.
Left tackle is a major hole, obviously, and one the Browns could seek to fill in the draft, where they have picks No. 6 and 24. Center is open, too, though there is some momentum for Luke Wypler, who finished the year as the starter in that spot, to keep the job.
Joel Bitonio Has Gotten Attention Elsewhere as a Free Agent
As for Bitonio, there was speculation, too, that he could agree to play again in 2026 but not for the Browns, that if he comes back, it would be for a contender. There were rumors that the Patriots were ready to sign him if he played this season, but New England’s signing of free-agent guard Alijah Vera-Tucker probably wipes out that possibility.
The Browns have been clear on their stance when it comes to Bitonio–they’re giving him space to make up his mind.
New offensive coordinator Travis Switzer said last week: “Obviously I’ve seen (Joel Bitonio) on tape, so I’ve already respected that part of it. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet. He’s been up with Hop (George Warhop) and Monk, and I missed him that day. So I’m hoping, I don’t know, maybe we can kind of scatter this out and keep hitting him a little bit here and there, but also respect his space and allow him to make the best decision for him and his family.”
But that decision time has arrived.