Browns getting Joel Bitonio back for 2025 season despite contemplating retirement
Browns getting Joel Bitonio back for 2025 season despite contemplating retirement
Despite some speculation, the Cleveland Browns received good news about their longest-tenured player on the team in left guard Joel Bitonio.
On Wednesday, Cleveland left guard Bitonio announced he will return for his 12th season in the NFL in 2025. The 33-year-old has been a Pro Bowler for seven straight seasons and started all but two games since 2017. This is one less need for the Browns to address in NFL free agency and the 2025 NFL draft.
With defensive end Myles Garrett's future in doubt, there were rumblings that Bitonio could call it a career after a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024. However, Bitonio used the two months after the season ended and decided to stay in the NFL for at least one more year.
Having Bitonio back for another year will allow some continuity with questions looming at the tackle positions. While the Browns will take the next few months to figure out the quarterback situation and other spots, they now have their All-Pro-level guard back on the left side of the line.
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