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
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
Mar 14, 2026, 7:05 PM CUT
NFL Analyst Makes Unfortunate Joel Bitonio Prediction Amidst Browns $23.5M Trouble
The Browns' OL was not up to the mark in the 2025 NFL season, but perhaps Joel Bitonio was one of the positives.
However, a big question lies over his future as we head into the 2026 season.
NFL analyst Daryl Ruiter has predicted that the chances of Bitonio are low, looking at the Browns' recent roster moves and salary cap implications. He said:
"I don't think [Joel Bitonio's] back. If he would've been back it would've gotten done before the contract voided so they could minimize that $23.5 million salary cap. Now, if he does come back, they get a double whammy because they're already on the hook for that $23.5 million. With the moves that Andrew Berry made this week, I'm starting to think that Joel is not gonna be back."
In 2025, he had signed a $15M contarct for one year. After the 2025 season ended, he was considering retirement, and the Browns even gave him extra time to decide whether he wanted to retire or return for another season. That ultimately cost the AFC franchise only.
Bitonio has not announced whether he will be back or if he is retiring.
In the 2025 regular season, he played 1,081 offensive snaps, including 686 pass-blocking snaps and 395 run-blocking snaps, primarily at left guard (1,079 snaps). During that time, he allowed 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 31 total pressures, while committing 1 penalty.
The Browns Might Be Moving On From Joel Bitonio
Joel Bitonio played 12 NFL seasons for the Browns. In that span, the NFL selected him to the Pro Bowl 7 times, 4th-most in Browns history.
He helped the Browns lead the NFL in rushing average (5.09 yards per carry) in 2021, the team’s best since 1966.
But with all the buzz around his retirement, the Browns have signed Zion Johnson at Guard, the same position Bitonio played. He and Browns have agreed on a three-year, $49.5 million deal, which includes a guaranteed $32.4 million, according to reports.
In the 2025 regular season, he appeared in 1,071 offensive snaps, including 663 pass-blocking snaps and 408 run-blocking snaps, primarily at left guard (1,070 snaps). During that, he allowed 3 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and 26 total pressures, while committing 4 penalties.
Do you think he will be replacing Bitonio? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Kalp Thaker