Joel Bitonio is giving it one more go in Cleveland.
The two-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl guard is returning for a 12th NFL season, the Browns announced Wednesday.
Bitonio had been flirting with retirement in recent years but never came as close to walking away as he did in the last two months. With 161 regular season starts taking a toll on his body and the Browns stumbling into a very uncertain period, his retirement was very possible and certainly understandable.
Less than two weeks ago, Bitonio told reporters he was still undecided, describing deciding as a "little bit of a roller coaster." But after taking time to consider all options, Bitonio will return, giving the Browns their beloved guard for one more campaign.
Bitonio entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Nevada in the 2014 draft and found immediate success, establishing a consistent standard that has powered him to a career that will undoubtedly land him in the franchise's ring of honor, if not more. He's also been around for the tumultuous experience that is a career spent in Cleveland, including the lows of the Browns' 1-31 record between the 2016 and 2017 seasons, as well as their playoff triumph over Pittsburgh in 2020 and a return to the postseason in 2023.
There's no guarantee the Browns recover from their 3-14 finish to the 2024 season -- a drastic slide that can be traced to their instability under center -- but they now know they'll have one of their most experienced and trusted leaders on board for whatever awaits them in 2025.
