The Joel Bitonio situation remains exactly where it has been for months — unresolved.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry addressed the status of the franchise’s longtime left guard on Friday, and his answers were about as open-ended as Bitonio’s future itself.
Asked whether the team had any clarity on the situation, Berry was direct: “I don’t.”
When pressed on whether he had spoken with Bitonio, Berry said: “We talk to our players all the time.”
And when asked whether he needed an answer before the NFL Draft later this month, Berry offered a clear window into how Cleveland is approaching the situation.
“Joel has been a foundational player for the organization,” Berry said. “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.”
Joel Bitonio’s Contract Has Already Voided
The waiting game has already come at a cost for Cleveland. Bitonio’s contract officially voided at the start of the new league year, making him an unrestricted free agent and triggering $23.5 million in dead cap.
The Browns had already pushed back the void date once, buying Bitonio more time to decide. Cleveland didn’t sit still. Instead, it moved aggressively toward a near-overhaul of the offensive line. The Browns signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins in free agency, while trading for Tytus Howard to bolster the tackle spot.
Berry highlighted the versatility of the Browns’ new additions, noting that each can potentially play multiple spots along the offensive line as needed. It wasn’t the driving factor in their decisions, but it’s a valuable bonus
“I’d say that was a nice byproduct of getting good players as opposed to going out and saying, ‘Hey, look, we’re going to maximize versatility and then talent will be next,'” Berry said. “They’re really good football players. And the added bonus is the versatility.”
The Browns are preparing for life after Bitonio, whether they say it out loud or not. Still, the door isn’t closed if he decides to return.
Bitonio Could Play Elsewhere If He Decides to Continue
There is speculation that if Bitonio wants to play for a contender, he could generate interest from other teams as a free agent. However, there have been no firm reports of Bitonio eyeing a new home.
Bitonio, 34, has spent 12 seasons in Cleveland and earned seven Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods during that run. Even during a difficult 5-12 campaign last season, Bitonio graded out at 70.7 at Pro Football Focus. He’s clearly someone new head coach Todd Monken wants around.
“He came up to the office a few weeks ago and we tried to talk him into it right then,” Monken said Wednesday at the scouting combine. “But he was not in that position yet to say he wanted to come back.
“I’m for really good football players and I’m for really good football players that are wired like Joel. There’s not many wired like Joel. What he says, how he carries himself, how he prepares. I mean, it’s unbelievable. He’s rare, 12 years and the pounding he’s taken and continued to play at such a high level.”
Browns Give Grim 2-Word Update on Joel Bitonio