Browns Facing Unprecedented Offensive Line Crisis Ahead of Shedeur Sanders' Debut

GM Andrew Berry must act quickly to rebuild the Browns' entire starting offensive line before the 2026 season

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:55pm

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For the first time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Cleveland Browns are entering the offseason with their entire starting offensive line set to become free agents. This mass exodus of talent, including Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller, leaves young quarterback Shedeur Sanders in a precarious position ahead of his potential debut. GM Andrew Berry must be aggressive in free agency, trades, and the draft to avoid this O-line overhaul turning into a disaster that could derail Sanders' development and the team's playoff hopes.

Why it matters

The Browns' offensive line is the foundation that will protect their young franchise quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. With the entire starting unit set to hit free agency, the Browns risk losing all that experience and talent, which could have a devastating impact on Sanders' ability to succeed in his first NFL season. Rebuilding the offensive line from scratch is an enormous challenge that GM Andrew Berry must address proactively to give the team the best chance of competing in 2026.

The details

The Browns' starting offensive line that is set to become free agents includes left tackle Cam Robinson, left guard Joel Bitonio (possible retirement), center Ethan Pocic, right guard Wyatt Teller, and right tackle Jack Conklin. This mass exodus of talent leaves the Browns with a major hole to fill in front of their potential franchise quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. GM Andrew Berry will need to be aggressive in free agency, trades, and the draft to rebuild the offensive line, with potential targets including Packers tackle Rasheed Walker, Jaguars tackle Walker Little, and premium draft picks like Utah's Spencer Fano or Georgia's Monroe Freeling.

  • On Wednesday, Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller announced he will not return to the Browns for the 2026 season.
  • The Browns' entire starting offensive line is set to become free agents this offseason, the first time this has happened in the Super Bowl era.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' young quarterback who is poised to become the face of the franchise, but now faces the prospect of playing behind an entirely new offensive line in his potential debut season.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager who must be aggressive in free agency, trades, and the draft to rebuild the team's offensive line and protect their young quarterback.

Wyatt Teller

The Pro Bowl guard who announced he will not return to the Browns for the 2026 season, leaving a major hole on the offensive line.

Rasheed Walker

The Packers standout tackle who is projected to command around $20.2 million annually in free agency, making him a potential high-priced target for the Browns to shore up their offensive line.

Walker Little

The Jaguars offensive tackle who could be traded to the Browns, providing stability on the line for a mid-round draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Cleveland, I wish things were different”

— Wyatt Teller, Pro Bowl guard (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.