Things are getting bad for the Cleveland Browns. While Myles Garrett’s trade request sent shockwaves to the entire franchise, another veteran’s possible retirement could be the last straw for the roster.
Cleveland’s guard Joel Bitonio has highlighted his mindset for hanging up his cleats for the next season.
The Browns’ G Joel Bitonio Speaks His Mind on Possible Retirement
Even before the Browns ended their terrible 2024 season with a 3-14 record, Bitonio had started talking about his retirement. In December 2024, the 33-year-old stated that he would come to a final decision in a couple of weeks.
Two months later, he isn’t ready to reveal his cards. In 2021, he signed a three-year $48 million contract extension, but he still has more than $31 million in dead cap.
In a recent interview with Cleveland.com Bitonio spoke his mind on the entire matter. “I probably am (leaning one way),” he said. “I’m probably not going to let you guys know which way I’m leaning.”
“We’re getting closer to the cutdown day, and it’d been cool if I let you guys know here, but we’re still working through it, and I’m sure soon enough.”
The seven-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played for the Browns for ten seasons, but many fans believe his time is coming to an end.
Did Myles Garrett’s Trade Request Affect Bitonio’s Retirement Decision?
Garrett’s trade request has shaken the entire NFL, it’s to be expected that the Browns’ ecosystem is feeling the brunt of it as well. However, in his interview, Bitonio suggested that Garrett’s trade request hasn’t affected him one bit.
“For me personally, I don’t think his request is really going to impact my decision,” he said. Bitonio further added that he understands his teammate’s disappointment with the franchise.
“It’s frustrating. I think we were all frustrated this last year. It was disappointing. We were all disappointed in the way the season turned out, so I get that side of where Myles is coming from.”