Browns Veteran Lineman Weighs Future After Contract Adjustment

Joel Bitonio has extra time to decide on playing in 2026 after Cleveland pushed back his contract void date.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Joel Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, is facing an important decision about his future with the team. The Browns have pushed back the void date on Bitonio's contract, giving him until the end of the league year in March to decide whether he will return for the 2026 season or retire.

Why it matters

Bitonio's decision will have major implications for the Browns' roster and salary cap. If he retires, the team will take a significant $23.5 million dead money hit against the cap. His return or departure will be a key factor in Cleveland's offseason planning.

The details

Bitonio, 34, has spent his entire 12-year career with the Browns after being drafted in the second round in 2014. He is a two-time first-team All-Pro and has made the Pro Bowl seven times, though that streak ended in 2025. Last season, he was the only Browns offensive lineman to play all 17 games, logging 99.72% of the team's offensive snaps.

  • The original deadline for Bitonio's contract to be voided was Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Browns and Bitonio have now pushed his contract void date to the end of the league year in March 2026, giving him extra time to decide his future.

The players

Joel Bitonio

A veteran offensive lineman who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Cleveland Browns. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that drafted Bitonio in the second round in 2014 and has employed him for his entire professional career so far.

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What they’re saying

“The Browns and Joel Bitonio agreed to push the void date back on his contract until the end of the league year in March, according to a source. It gives Bitonio about three more weeks to decide on his future. The previous deadline was yesterday.”

— Jason Lloyd, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

Bitonio has until the end of the league year in March to decide whether he will return to the Browns for the 2026 season or retire.

The takeaway

Bitonio's future decision will be a major factor in the Browns' offseason plans, as his retirement would create a significant salary cap hit for the team. The extra time given to Bitonio to make his choice reflects the importance of his role on the Cleveland offensive line.