Bitonio talked about retirement well before the end of the 2024 season, telling reporters multiple times he would consider moving on from football in the offseason. Just before the start of free agency, Bitonio has decided to give it at least another year. He started all 17 games last year and hasn’t missed more than two games since 2016. Who will he be blocking for under center in Week 1? Your guess is as good as ours.

Bitonio said back in December that he would take some time this offseason to consider retirement. Not much as changed here as the 33-year-old guard told reporters that retirement is “definitely within the realm of possibilities.” The seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro also mentioned that he was leaning one way but wasn’t ready to share it. The tentative timeline for his decision is the start of free agency. Bitonio has one year left on his contract with the Browns and also mentioned in December that he doesn’t envision himself joining another team. Cleveland could be looking at a massive rebuild given its quarterback issues, Myles Garrett asking out and potentially Bitonio’s retirement.

When asked about the possibility of 2024 being his final season in the league, Bitonio said, “We’ll see how we’re doing in a couple of weeks after the season. It’s very hard to make a decision when you’re in the middle of [the season].” Bitonio, who has one year left on his contract, did say that he doesn’t envision himself joining another team — which would only happen via trade or his release, but it’s clear the direction of the franchise has taken its toll on a handful of the Browns’ top players as of late. Myles Garrett most notably voiced his displeasure with the franchise which has led some to speculate he could be a potential trade candidate this offseason. It’s shaping up to be another interesting offseason in Cleveland, but two of the team’s top players departing will only make the turnaround that much more difficult.

Bitonio returned to practice on Friday after missing the first two practices of the week with the back issue. He should be able to suit up on Sunday. If he can’t, rookie guard Zak Zinter could take his place in the lineup.