Browns Eyeing Potential Bitonio Replacements

Cleveland may need to find a new starting guard if veteran Joel Bitonio retires.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns are preparing for the possibility that seven-time Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio may retire this offseason. The team has already agreed to push back the date his existing contract voids automatically to give Bitonio more time to make his decision. If Bitonio does retire, the Browns will need to find a replacement, and the article suggests three potential candidates: Hjalte Froholdt, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Isaac Seumalo.

Why it matters

Bitonio has been a standout player for the Browns for years, so replacing him would be a significant challenge for the team. The Browns are also facing financial constraints under the salary cap, so they'll need to find a cost-effective solution to fill the hole left by Bitonio's potential retirement.

The details

Hjalte Froholdt is a free agent who took snaps away from starting right guard Wyatt Teller last season before Teller got injured. Alijah Vera-Tucker is a former first-round pick for the Jets who has started at guard and right tackle, but is coming off a serious injury that cost him the 2025 season. Isaac Seumalo is a 32-year-old Pro Bowler from the Steelers who is known for his strong run blocking.

  • The Browns have agreed to push back the date Bitonio's existing contract voids automatically to give him more time to make his decision.
  • Bitonio is set to become a free agent unless the Browns extend his contract.

The players

Joel Bitonio

A seven-time Pro Bowl guard for the Cleveland Browns who is considering retirement.

Hjalte Froholdt

A free agent who took snaps away from the Browns' starting right guard Wyatt Teller last season before Teller got injured.

Alijah Vera-Tucker

A former first-round pick for the Jets who has started at guard and right tackle, but is coming off a serious injury that cost him the 2025 season.

Isaac Seumalo

A 32-year-old Pro Bowl guard from the Steelers who is known for his strong run blocking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Browns will need to decide whether to re-sign Bitonio or find a replacement in free agency or the draft.

The takeaway

Replacing a future Hall of Famer like Joel Bitonio will be a significant challenge for the Browns, especially given their financial constraints under the salary cap. The team will need to carefully evaluate their options to find a cost-effective solution that can maintain the level of play at the guard position.