David Njoku likely isn’t the only Pro Bowler set to depart from the Cleveland Browns with another big decision looming
The Browns are likely to lose another Pro Bowler from its roster following the departure of David Njoku.
The Cleveland Browns have an interesting offseason ahead with plenty of change likely coming down the pipe.
Browns veteran TE David Njoku announced on Monday he wouldn’t be returning to Cleveland. Njoku’s departure is the Browns looking to get younger on offense, which general manager Andrew Berry said they would be doing.
Njoku is going to have company in terms of former Pro Bowlers leaving the Browns.
Joel Bitonio could be the next player out for the Browns
Bitonio’s contract is set to void on Feb. 16 and he will officially be headed for free agency or retirement. Each of the past couple of offseasons, the Browns’ starting left guard has tossed around the idea of retiring. It wouldn’t be a surprise if that happens this offseason after Bitonio’s 12 seasons in Cleveland.
The 2026 season will have Bitonio turning 35 years old. Cleveland has had Bitonio around for 178 starts in the last 12 years and he hasn’t missed significant time since the 2016 season when injury limited him to five games.
Bitonio allowed two sacks and 31 pressures in 686 pass blocking reps this past season. The veteran left guard isn’t the player he once was, but he’s still a capable starting guard in the NFL.
Cleveland’s offensive line as a whole was terrible in 2025 across the board. As a result, the Browns could have as many as five new starters up front next season.
Bitonio has been a huge part of any success the team has found over the last decade, but a big part of the locker room as well. A team captain who has been through some rough times in Cleveland. Bitonio had seven straight Pro Bowls from 2018 to 2024. He also has two first-team All-Pro nods to his resume.
Cleveland is going to have to use draft capital and free agency to build its offensive line. Zak Zinter is the closest thing to a starting guard the Browns have currently for 2026 … the problem is he has minimal playing experience with three starts as a rookie in 2024.
Bitonio leaving Cleveland would be another sting just like Njoku was. But that’s part of sports and the Browns should be better off in the long run by getting younger on offense if they play their cards right.
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