On top of Myles Garrett rumors, NFL draft options, Joel Bitonio retirement remains up in the air
The Cleveland Browns have two huge pivot points this offseason starting with DE Myles Garrett’s trade request and then the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Rumors have been flying about both of those decisions with a lot of interesting Garrett trade proposals as well as some interesting options for the Browns in the upcoming draft.
An under-discussed but potentially huge issue in Cleveland is another mainstay that could be on his way out the door. Unlike Garrett, OL Joel Bitonio is thinking about retiring despite being excited about the return to Kevin Stefanski’s system.
If Bitonio retires, this could be the last time Browns fans get to see him in the jersey he’s worn for 11 seasons since being drafted by then-GM Ray Farmer in the second round. Sadly, the video is not a positive one as he discusses Garrett’s trade request:
Browns Joel Bitonio says Myles Garrett’s trade request won’t affect his retirement decision. pic.twitter.com/fIoVjsYulO
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) February 22, 2025
That is potentially good news for Cleveland fans as Bitonio enters the final year of his contract as he noted he is still mulling retirement:
Browns Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio says he’s undecided on whether he’ll play in 2025.
Bitonio said retirement is “definitely within the realm of possibilities” but isn’t ready to commit yet to the final year of his current contract.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) February 22, 2025
Out of respect for the team, Bitonio will let them know before NFL free agency opens in the second week of March:
#Browns left guard Joel Bitonio said today he’s still working through his decision on whether or not to retire. Will give the Browns his answer soon, before free agency.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 22, 2025
Unlike when OL Joe Thomas retired, Bitonio does not look like he’s slimmed down out of playing shape so far this offseason. That doesn’t mean much but does give credence to the idea that he hasn’t decided yet what he will do in 2025.
Do you believe Bitonio that Garrett’s trade request won’t impact his decision? What do you think he ends up doing this offseason?
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