Former Cleveland Browns starting offensive guard Joel Bitonio is trying to find a new home in the NFL, and he could find one with the Detroit Lions.
Dan Campbell and the Lions added a bevy of defensive talent in the NFL draft, and some offensive players, but they could still use a sturdy veteran offensive guard, and that’s where Bitonio comes into play.
Bob Heyrman of SideLion Report pegs Bitonio as a good, but “complicated,” addition for the Detroit Lions as they look at their lineup coming out of the draft.
“This one is a bit complicated, but it would be an absolute home run for the Detroit Lions,” he notes in the piece. “The long-time star Cleveland Browns guard is currently an unrestricted free agent and is also mulling over retirement. Bitonio is a two-time first-team All-Pro selection and a seven-time Pro Bowler.”
Joel Bitonio Was a Longtime Player for the Cleveland Browns, and He Could Work for the Detroit Lions
Bitonio had impressive numbers for the Browns. According to research from Pro Football Focus, he notched a 70.7 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, 23rd among 81 qualified offensive guards. He also 1,081 offensive snaps for the season. The player also had a PFF pass-blocking grade of 75.7, ranking No. 8 among 81 qualified offensive guards.
He allowed 31 total pressures in pass protection, including two sacks and one hits allowed to opposing pass rushers. He only had one flagged penalty for the season.
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line is looking solid, but they could use some assurance on left guard. Bitonio would provide that. “Right now, Christian Mahogany appears to be the front-runner for the starting job,” Heyrman adds, “but I wouldn’t discount Matt Frazier or Ben Bartch unseating him.”
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The player the team could snag, according to Heyrman, free agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Even though the team is set in this position with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, it’s such a crucial slot that they could always use more.
“The Lions could use a third/fourth option at the position to pair with the aforementioned St. Brown and Williams, and someone reliable enough to take some of the pressure off Isaac TeSlaa,” he explains in the piece.
Matt Okada of the NFL’s official website has him going to the Chargers. “Samuel would be a versatile offensive weapon for Justin Herbert and company,” he states in the piece. “The Chargers have the third-most cap space in the league ($45.8 million, per Over The Cap), so they could absolutely afford him. And best of all: The most productive season of Samuel’s career, by far, came with the 49ers in 2021.”
Okada also point out his career highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (1,405) and yards per catch (18.2) last season.
Honestly, this one feels like a stretch. Do the Lions really need to pay precious funds to secure more wide receiver protection? Probably not. But, Samuel is solid, and it’s understandable why Heryman would want him to go to the Lions.
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