The Cleveland Browns have been quite active over the last few days. After waiving Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday, the team made eight roster moves on Tuesday as well as reaching a contract extension with guard Wyatt Teller.
Today comes news that long-time guard Joel Bitonio has reached a contract extension with the team as well. Drafted in the second round under then-GM Ray Farmer in 2014, Bitonio has been a stalwart of the team through a variety of new coaches and management.
He has started all 104 games he has played in missing 6 in 2015 and 11 in 2016.
Bitonio signed for six years and $51 million in 2017 with his current contract set to expire after next season. He will be 32 years old when his extension kicks in.
According to a report, the new extension is for three years taking him through the 2025 season:
3-year extension, per league sources. Puts Joel Bitonio in Cleveland through 2025 season. #Browns https://t.co/KC40j6Za9J
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 10, 2021
Updated: The team has confirmed the three-year extension.
Cleveland has made it clear that their offensive line is a high priority for them. All five of their starters have had significant assets devoted to them. Jedrick Wills was the team’s first-round pick in 2020, while Teller, J.C. Tretter and Jack Conklin have all signed big contracts with the team.
Bitonio signs his third deal with the team and, after early struggles for the franchise, gets a chance to be around as the team turns it around.