Browns GM Andrew Berry is still leaving the door open for Cleveland to add a Pro Bowler back to the roster
Cleveland has reshaped its offensive line this offseason. Still, the Browns could get a Pro Bowler back if Joel Bitonio doesn’t retire.
The Cleveland Browns have had a solid offseason, reshaping their offensive line with multiple additions. However, the door is still open for one core member of the franchise to return. What the Browns do in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft could tell us more.
Cleveland started their offseason overhaul of the unit by trading for RT Tytus Howard. In free agency, the Browns brought in G Zion Johnson and G/C Elgton Jenkins. The Browns also brought back G Teven Jenkins on a new deal.
Andrew Berry puts the ball in Joel Bitonio’s court
Browns GM Andrew Berry was asked about the possibility of LG Joel Bitonio returning, a player who is an unrestricted free agent after 12 seasons with the Browns.
“Joel has been a foundational player for the organization,” Berry said at his predraft media availability. “He needs to make the decision on his own time. Simple as that. And he’s earned that right.”
Joel Bitonio’s return is possible
Bitonio is clearly in no rush to make a decision on returning for another NFL season or not. The decision will also have to include whether he wants to play for the Browns or sign elsewhere for the first time in his career. In a recent interview with Nevada Sports Net, Bitonio opened up about where he’s at.
“It is the weirdest offseason because I’ve finished my contract with the Cleveland Browns and I’m sure people are, like, ‘Oh, he’s gonna retire; he’s not gonna retire,’” Bitonio said. “I’m just kind of living life right now. I’ve been spending a lot of time with family, and I’ve played football for 25 years so any decision you make is a big decision. If you come back, if you want to play for the Browns, if you want to play for another team, if you want to retire. All those things are in my mind and a big decision for me to make.”
“So, we’ve just been taking our time and luckily at this stage of my career I know what my body needs and it’s not the offseason program, so I can kind of take my time and see how the draft plays out and just see what’s best for my family and how the body feels as the offseason progresses. But I’ve been forever grateful for the Browns and I’ve loved every moment I’ve had there. We haven’t had as many ups as we wanted, but it was just such a special journey, getting drafted there and playing for 12 years.”
Bitonio has played in 178 games over the last 12 seasons with all of those being starts. Cleveland hasn’t done much winning during Bitonio’s tenure, and he’s been to the playoffs just twice.
If the seven-time Pro Bowler wants to return to the Browns, Cleveland will have him back. The Browns’ offensive line would be better for it too in terms of having the best five out there.
