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Offensive guard Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns
It’s out of the hands of the Cleveland Browns now. Stalwart offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, after having been given an extra three weeks to make a decision on his NFL future, saw his contract expire at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the start of the league’s new year. So while Bitonio has not officially retired, according to reports, he also is not property of the Browns any longer.
The ramifications for the Browns, at this point, are largely a matter of accounting, as the team’s recent transactions have seemed to point to the organization’s understanding that Bitonio would not be back in Cleveland next season after a stellar 12-year career in which Bitonio earned seven Pro Bowl honors and two All-Pro selections.
It’s still possible that Bitonio could generate interest elsewhere, as he may want to close his career playing for a contender. The New York Giants have been one of the teams with speculative interest in Bitonio.
Joel Bitonio Will Still Cost $23.5 Million
The accounting part of things for the Browns is an issue, it should be pointed out. Had Bitonio retired before 4 p.m., the team would have been able to spread out his sizable dead cap hit over two seasons, but the fact that he is still an active NFL player past the deadline–at least according to reports–means all of that money will drop on this year’s cap for the Browns.
Here’s what Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN wrote on Twitter/X about the situation: “Joel Bitonio’s contract officially voided, leaving $23.5 million in dead cap for the Browns in 2026. Bitonio has been mulling retirement, and Cleveland had pushed the void date back to give him time.
“The Browns have been active in adding OL in free agency, including IOL Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. GM Andrew Berry said he would welcome Bitonio back if he wanted to return for a 13th NFL season.”
As of now, it looks like the Browns will have a rebuilt offensive line with Elgton Jenkins at center, Johnson at left guard and Tytus Howard at right tackle, with Jenkins’ brother, Teven Jenkins, probably at right guard. The team needs a left tackle, and indications are they’ll pursue one in the draft.
Elgton Jenkins
GettyElgton Jenkins, the Browns new offensive lineman.
Browns Had Hoped He Would Return
Indeed, the entire Browns staff has been clear about wanting Bitonio back, and with good reason. Even in a year in which the entire browns offensive line was ravaged by injury and underperformance, Bitonio was the one guy who held firm at left guard. His 70.7 grade at Pro Football Focus was not among his best, but it was No. 21 out of 79 graded guards in the NFL.
When he was introduced to the Browns media last week, new offensive coordinator Travis Switzer said, “I have a ton of respect for Joel. Obviously, I’ve never coached him before. … Just from what I’ve heard with guys who have, the way he approaches the game, he’s a pro, and then obviously I’ve seen him 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.”