Longtime Cleveland guard Joel Bitonio called it quits after 12 seasons, ending a career spent entirely in the Browns' orbit. Drafted 35th overall in 2014, he became the franchise’s most durable lineman with 178 starts—the highest since the 1999 return. Bitonio’s tenure spanned three contracts and seven Pro Bowls, and earned recognition as a top offensive guard.

His accolades include back‑to‑back first‑team All‑Pro honors in 2021 and 2022, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2022. In 2023 he captured the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Bitonio’s decision to retire follows a brief flirtation with free agency, after which he returned for a final season before hanging up the helmet.

With head coach Todd Monken taking the helm, the Browns shored up the offensive line after Bitonio’s exit. New acquisitions include right tackle Tytus Howard, interior linemen Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and re‑signed Teven Jenkins. The draft added left tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth pick, positioning Cleveland to rebuild a unit that had been a cornerstone of Bitonio’s legacy.