His decorated career has another chapter which will include the 2025 season.
"Obviously, I was hopeful that Joel would be back," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "He's been here with me every step of the way. He's been a huge part of what we do on the football field. He's a huge part of who we are off the field. I think it was no small thing when we put that golf simulator in Berea. I think that certainly maybe tipped the scales in our favor. But he's a pros pro. I think he's a future Hall of Famer, so I'm thrilled he's back."
Bitonio said he spent the early part of the offseason reflecting and having conversations with his family as well as Stefanski and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry. In those conversations, Bitonio said they discussed the style of offense the Browns were going to run and their goals for the quarterback position. He watched as they brought in QB Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Eagles and signed QB Joe Flacco – someone Bitonio developed a relationship with back in the 2023 season.
He noted how they drafted two rookie quarterbacks to build out the competition in the quarterback room, as well as added depth to bolster the offensive and defensive line in free agency and the draft. All their moves helped paint the picture of what the Browns could look like on both sides of the ball.
Bitonio also said offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren played a significant role in his decision to return. They went to dinner a handful of times and discussed Bloomgren's coaching philosophies and expectations, as well as aspects of their personal lives and their families. Following all those conversations, Bitonio decided to continue his playing career.
"At the end of the day, I was like, I'm not ready to be done," Bitonio said. "I want to play more, and I want to play in Cleveland. And that was my mindset."