Browns' Joe Thomas hopes to convince Joel Bitonio to return for 13th season

Thomas plans to tout the hiring of offensive line coach George Warhop as a key factor in Bitonio's decision.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Browns Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas is hoping to convince All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio to return for a 13th season. Last year, Thomas urged Bitonio not to retire unless he was absolutely sure he was done. This offseason, Thomas plans to extol the virtues of the team's new offensive line coach, George Warhop, who Thomas considers the best OL coach he's ever had. Warhop has already reached out to Bitonio and tried to convince him to come back, and head coach Todd Monken has also chimed in, saying they want Bitonio back because of his rare talent and leadership.

Why it matters

Bitonio is a two-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, and the Browns are hoping to keep their veteran offensive line intact as they look to build on a successful 2025 season. Retaining Bitonio would provide stability and continuity for the unit.

The details

Bitonio, 34, must decide if his body and mind are up for a 13th NFL season after playing through various injuries in 2025. He teared up when discussing the possibility of retirement after the season, noting he'd look back on his 12 seasons with great pride. The new coaching staff, including offensive line coach George Warhop, will be a factor in his decision.

  • In February 2025, Joe Thomas urged Bitonio not to retire unless he was absolutely sure he was done.
  • In March 2026, Thomas plans to shoot Bitonio a text and give him a rave review of Warhop as an offensive line coach.
  • In March 2026, new Browns guard Zion Johnson said Warhop was a big draw in his decision to sign with the team.

The players

Joe Thomas

A Hall of Fame left tackle who played for the Browns from 2007-2017 and is now trying to convince his former teammate Joel Bitonio to return for another season.

Joel Bitonio

A two-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl left guard for the Browns who is considering retirement after 12 NFL seasons.

George Warhop

The Browns' new offensive line coach, who Joe Thomas considers the best OL coach he's ever had.

Todd Monken

The Browns' head coach, who has also tried to convince Bitonio to return for the 2026 season.

Zion Johnson

A new free agent guard signed by the Browns, who said Warhop was a big factor in his decision to join the team.

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What they’re saying

“There's no other place in the world where you can get the feeling and camaraderie of being on an NFL team. I told him to play as long as he possibly can.”

— Joe Thomas (cleveland.com)

“Boom! One of the best OL coaches in NFL history!!”

— Joe Thomas (X)

“He came up to the office a few weeks ago and we tried to talk him into it right then. 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. I like what he says, how he carries himself, how he prepares.”

— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach (NFL Combine)

“It's unbelievable. He's a rare, I mean how many years he played? 12 years. And the pounding he's taken and continued to play at such a high level?”

— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach (NFL Combine)

“It's hard to put into words. I just tried to give it everything. It's tough. You try and go out there and be the best version of yourself and do what you can to help the team win. And I tried to do that every day. That's what I did.”

— Joel Bitonio (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Browns will continue to try and convince Bitonio to return for the 2026 season, with Joe Thomas and the new coaching staff playing key roles in the recruitment process.

The takeaway

Retaining a veteran leader like Joel Bitonio is crucial for the Browns as they look to build on their success and make a deep playoff run. Joe Thomas' relationship with Bitonio and his endorsement of new OL coach George Warhop could be the deciding factors in Bitonio's decision to return for one more season.