Browns Unsure About Joel Bitonio's Future

Cleveland GM says team will be 'ready either way' as veteran guard weighs retirement decision.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football offensive lineman in action, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones conveying the physical demands and uncertainty of the position.The Browns' offensive line faces an uncertain future as veteran guard Joel Bitonio weighs retirement.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns offered a vague update on the future of longtime left guard Joel Bitonio, with GM Andrew Berry saying the team has no clarity on whether the 34-year-old Pro Bowler will return for the 2023 season or retire. Bitonio's contract has already voided, making him an unrestricted free agent, but the Browns are prepared to move forward with or without him as they have bolstered the offensive line through free agency.

Why it matters

Bitonio has been a foundational player for the Browns over the past 12 seasons, making seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. His potential retirement would be a significant loss for the team, but Cleveland has taken steps to address the offensive line regardless of Bitonio's decision.

The details

Bitonio's contract voided at the start of the new league year, triggering $23.5 million in dead cap for the Browns. Cleveland has since signed free agents Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins and traded for Tytus Howard to bolster the offensive line, with Berry noting the versatility of the new additions. However, the door remains open for Bitonio to return if he decides to continue playing.

  • Bitonio's contract voided at the start of the new league year.
  • The Browns have until the NFL Draft later this month to get clarity on Bitonio's future.

The players

Joel Bitonio

A 34-year-old offensive guard who has spent the past 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, making seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

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What they’re saying

“'Joel has been a foundational player for the organization. He's everything that we could have asked as a Brown. He needs to make the decision on his own timeline, just simple as that. And like he's earned that right. He will have that right. You know, we'll be ready either way.'”

— Andrew Berry, General Manager, Cleveland Browns

“'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.'”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will wait for Bitonio to make a decision on his future, with the NFL Draft later this month serving as a potential deadline for the team to get clarity on the situation.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding Joel Bitonio's future highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face when it comes to veteran players. While Bitonio has been a cornerstone of the Browns' offense for over a decade, the team has taken steps to prepare for life after him, underscoring the business realities of professional sports.