CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio 75 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns on November 30, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 49ers at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251130120

Jan 1, 2026, 6:43 PM CUT

Browns Veteran Joel Bitonio Addresses Future as Contract Nears Its End

Joel Bitonio is approaching a crossroads as the Cleveland Browns’ longest-tenured active player. With his contract expiring after the 2025 season, the veteran guard is openly weighing whether his career continues.

"Last year, I thought about it, if I wanted to be done. This year, it's last year on the contract, last year I signed up for, so it's definitely a possibility. This could very well be the last time you put a Browns helmet on. But, you never know."

Bitonio is playing on the final year of his contract, and despite considering retirement last year, he came back for the Browns. However, if no extension is reached, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks with guard Joel Bitonio during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 in Berea. Browns19 1, 15.06.2022 16:01:11, 18542145, USATNSYNDICATION, Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns, Kevin Stefanski, Player PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPhilxMasturzox 18542145

On the one hand, it will be a big blow for the Browns. Bitonio has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, placing him among the most accomplished linemen in team history. But Bitonio could make way for new talent.

With the Browns' offensive line coming under a lot of fire, fans may see big changes coming to Cleveland next season. And we're already seeing signs with the addition of Kingsley Eguakun to the active roster. For now, Bitonio is enjoying the process.

"I'm thankful every time I get to play this game... There's retirement, there's free agency, you know, I've never done that in my life. There is so much stuff that goes into it. I'll take it in and I appreciate the win."

But Joel Bitonio isn't happy about one thing with Browns fans

After the Browns' win over the Steelers, some fans were upset since it ruined the chances of the Browns getting the number one draft pick. And Bitonio isn't having it.

"These guys are trying to build a culture for the future, and to go out there and be like ‘we’re going to lose our last couple of games for a better draft pick…,’ it would never cross a player’s mind."

The last game emphasized that. It wasn't a game built on individual performances but the team doing well together. Just take Myles Garrett. Even without making a sack, the Browns defense kept Rodgers contained.

"Maybe the fans want to have some fan-fiction, maybe upstairs is hoping or something like that, but I know the players and coaches fight for every win, and every time you go on the field, it’s a resume builder."

Written by

Mohd Mudabbir Ansari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar