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The Cleveland Browns are willing to wait out Joel Bitonio’s decision.
The Cleveland Browns are willing to wait for Joel Bitonio, who is still weighing whether to retire or potentially play for another team.
Bitonio’s contract was voided at the start of the league year, leaving the Browns with $23 million in dead money. It doesn’t mean he won’t return but the signs don’t look good currently. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said the team is willing to wait on the seven-time Pro Bowler and it could stretch into April.
“The Browns have one more big piece of outstanding guard business in former All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio’s decision on whether or not to return for a 13th NFL season or retire,” Cabot said. “The Browns are giving him all the time he needs to make a decision, and it could stretch into next month.”
Cleveland is moving on from nearly their entire starting line from last season. Wyatt Teller — a fan favorite who started at the guard spot opposite Bitonio — signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans on Tuesday. Teller started 94 games with the Browns and was a three-time Pro Bowler.
Browns Rebuilding Offensive Line
The Browns have already made significant moves to reshape their offensive line, trading for Texans tackle Tytus Howard and adding Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins in free agency.
Johnson has played both right and left guard. He’s willing to step in wherever needed, depending on what happens with Bitonio.
“The front office is very hell-bent on improving the offensive line, improving the team as a whole,” Johnson said. “My role was just to come in, play whatever position is needed, whether it is left or right, to help the team in any way necessary. But the draw was clear for me. I could see the potential in the talent on this team.”
As for Bitonio, Johnson holds him in high regard, viewing him as a standard-setter and role model for guards across the league.
“I don’t know Joe Bitonio personally. But I think every young guard knows who Joel Bitonio is,” Johnson said. “He’s played at an extremely high level year after year after year. He’s the kind of pinnacle and the level that a lot of young guards aspire to play to. So to have the opportunity to be around somebody like that, to learn from them, to play next to them, I think anybody would love that opportunity.”
Browns Would Welcome Joel Bitonio Back
Bitonio’s pending decision hasn’t slowed the Browns from reshaping their offensive line, but the door remains open if he opts to return for another season. New head coach Todd Monken has already made it clear how much he values Bitonio, praising both his dominance in the trenches and his leadership presence.
“He came up to the office a few weeks ago and we tried to talk him into it right then,” Monken said. “I mean, 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. What he says, how he carries himself, how he prepares, I mean, it’s unbelievable.
“He’s a rare, I mean, how many years has he played? Twelve? And the pounding he’s taken and continued to play at such a high level.”
The Browns would likely like to have clarity on Bitonio before the NFL Draft, which begins on April 23. Cleveland holds two first-round picks and 10 picks overall.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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