The longtime offensive lineman has talked retirement this offseason
The Cleveland Browns offseason has mostly been full of strife with DE Myles Garrett requesting a trade and a lot of questions about what the team would do at the quarterback position. Having the second overall pick was not enough to ease Garrett’s concerns and may not be used to solve the QB problem either.
An under discussed concern was that OL Joel Bitonio had also thought about retiring this offseason. The former second round pick has been a mainstay with the Browns but seemed content if 2024 was his last season.
Earlier this week, a report came out that Bitonio was likely to return. Cleveland confirmed that report on Wednesday:
back for more @JoelBitonio is set to return for his 12th season! pic.twitter.com/ReNLGdmxqG
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 5, 2025
While Garrett still wants a trade, the return of Bitonio will help the Browns offense in 2025. A retirement would have had a negative impact on Cleveland’s already overwhelmed salary cap as well.
With NFL free agency opening next week, the Browns front office can check one starting position off their needs list.
Are you surprised that Bitonio returned? Do you think it will impact Garrett’s decision/request at all?