Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio has been one of the team’s few consistent players since entering the league, but one article suggests the organization could trade him as he enters the final year of his contract. A former second-round pick, the Nevada product is not the same immovable force he was at the peak of his career, but he remains a reliable starter. However, the Browns are embracing a rebuild following the failed Deshaun Watson trade, and they may prefer a future draft pick to one year of service from the veteran.
At least, that’s what Bleacher Report‘s Brent Sobleski believes. In a recent article, the NFL analyst suggested Joel Bitonio is on the trade block and could fetch a 2026 fourth-round pick for the rebuilding Browns. Cleveland would probably welcome the pick, and the following four teams could make a move for the veteran.
Browns Could Trade Joel Bitonio – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Would the Browns ever trade Joel Bitonio to a division rival? They won’t want to, but they might have no choice if the Ravens make the best offer. Baltimore has a great tackle duo and one of the game’s elite centers in Tyler Linderbaum, but their guard position needs some work. While this is still a solid offensive line, Bitonio could turn it into one of the league’s best units. Opposing defenses have a tough enough time trying to stop Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, and that difficult task will be made all the harder with stronger interior blocking.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are placing their faith in Sam Darnold, which means they should fix the offensive line. Darnold had a great season in a near-perfect environment last year, but his time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets proves he can’t overcome a subpar supporting cast. Seattle’s guard situation is one of the worst in the league, and a Joel Bitonio trade would provide some much-needed stability to the team and help ensure Darnold plays up to his contract.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the league’s worst offensive lines, and they must do something about it in 2025. While the trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins can overcome subpar blocking, an improved offensive line would only make a potent passing attack that much more dangerous. Once again, the Browns might not be willing to trade Joel Bitonio to a division rival, but he’s exactly the type of player this team needs.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are not contenders and have a better shot of earning the first-overall pick than making the playoffs. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t trade for Joel Bitonio. With Derek Carr’s retirement, New Orleans will start an inexperienced quarterback in 2025. Whether it’s Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough, that quarterback will need adequate blocking to survive and potentially develop into a franchise quarterback.
