The writing's been on the wall for Joel Bitonio and the Cleveland Browns, and while fans hold out hope, the reality is setting in: Bitonio may have played his last snap in Cleveland.
Bitonio's decision to delay the void date in his contract was a glimmer of hope for those wishing for another season. However, that date came and went without a word, leaving the Browns with a hefty $23.5 million dead cap hit.
In response, the Browns have been proactive, signing guards Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. Jenkins brings versatility with his ability to play center, while Johnson's comments during his introduction hinted at the inevitable.
When asked about stepping into Bitonio's shoes at left guard, Johnson expressed the weight of the legacy he might inherit: "It’s an honor to be able to play that position after somebody like that, and it’ll be my job to hold that standard in my time as well."
The Browns seem ready for the post-Bitonio era, investing $49.5 million over three years in Johnson and $24 million over two years in Jenkins. That's significant cash for potential backups, suggesting the team might be preparing for Bitonio's departure.
Johnson has shown his skills on both sides of the line, with his best performance as a full-time left guard, earning a career-high PFF grade of 64.4. His pass-blocking and run-blocking grades were also personal bests, signaling his potential fit on the left side.
In a perfect world, Bitonio would return, Jenkins would take over at center, Johnson would slide to right guard, and the Browns would secure a franchise left tackle like Monroe Freeling, Spencer Fano, or Francis Mauigoa, or perhaps sign a seasoned free agent. But as the Browns know, perfection is elusive.
Bitonio has earned the right to take his time with this decision, his legacy in Cleveland defined by hard work and leadership. Yet, the prolonged uncertainty has led to a costly cap hit that clearer communication might have avoided.
With three versatile linemen now in the fold, the Browns are well-prepared to adjust, though the current signs point to moving forward without Bitonio.