The Cleveland Browns are still awaiting word on Joel Bitonio.
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The Cleveland Browns are still awaiting word on Joel Bitonio.
The Cleveland Browns still haven’t heard from Joel Bitonio, and at this point, their offseason moves likely indicate the direction things are heading with the two-time All-Pro.
“The Browns are also still awaiting word on whether or not All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio will return for a 13th season, but their flurry of moves seems to suggest they’re preparing for life without him,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said.
Bitonio is the longest tenured member of the Browns and has seven Pro Bowls on his resume. If he steps away, it could be to retire. Or Bitonio could look to make a final run with a contender. Either way, he’s a lock for the Browns’ Ring of Honor down the line.
Browns Target Offensive Line Early in Free Agency
Cleveland has signed three interior linemen since free agency opened. The biggest move was agreeing to terms with Zion Johnson, the former Los Angeles Chargers guard who signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal with $32.4 million guaranteed. Johnson, 26, played every offensive snap for the Chargers last season and brings elite run-blocking ability.
The Browns also agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal with Elgton Jenkins. The former Green Bay Packers lineman made two Pro Bowls at guard but has played center and tackle during his time in the league.
Rounding out the group, the Browns re-signed Teven Jenkins, who appeared in all 17 games last season and will likely factor into the starting conversation up front.
The Browns are replacing almost their entire Week 1 starting unit from last season. Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, Jack Conklin, and potentially Bitonio could all be on different teams next season.
Dawand Jones is expected to return at left tackle, although he comes with some significant durability concerns. The fourth-round pick out of Ohio State has now suffered a season-ending injury in each of his three NFL seasons.
Browns Will Welcome Joel Bitonio Back
The Browns are under new leadership with Todd Monken replacing Kevin Stefanski. However, both Monken and general manager Andrew Berry made clear they’d welcome Bitonio back.
“He came up to the office a few weeks ago and we tried to talk him into it right then,” Monken said at the NFL Combine. “But he was not in that position yet to say he wanted to come back. I’m for really good football players and I’m for really good football players that are wired like Joel. There’s not many wired like Joel.”
The Browns have done some solid work as it pertains to the offensive line. However, the team still has some other holes to fill, particularly at wide receiver. The Browns may be able to add a veteran, but will likely turn to the draft to fill the need.
“We’re really pleased with some of the younger players we have. Jerry [Jeudy] is gonna be a big part of it, and we’re pleased with Isaiah (Bond’s) rookie year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t add to the arsenal,” Berry said.
The Browns hold two first-round picks — No. 6 and No. 24.