The clock is ticking in Cleveland. With a February 16th deadline looming, the Browns face a staggering $23.5 million decision regarding franchise legend Joel Bitonio.

As GM Andrew Berry navigates a roster crossroads, bringing Bitonio back would be a tremendous help for 2026. With the potential to replace four out of five starting offensive linemen this offseason, keeping the heartbeat of the trenches is the only thing standing between some stability and a total rebuild.

According to cap experts at 247Sports, the Browns have three distinct paths to handle Bitonio’s massive void date:

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1. The Extension: Lowering the Hit

If Bitonio still has the fire to play, a one-year, $15-million extension could work wonders. By using a league-minimum salary and a signing bonus spread over void years, Cleveland could slash his cap hit from $23.5-million down to just $12.6-million. It’s the ultimate win-win: you keep a Pro Bowler and gain $11-million in breathing room.

2. The “Post-June 1” Retirement

If Bitonio hangs it up, the Browns can get creative. By signing him to a league-minimum deal now and waiting until June 2 to officially process the retirement, they can split that $23.5-million dead cap hit over two seasons ($8.5-million in 2026; $14.9-million in 2027). This provides maximum flexibility for a team tight on funds.

3. Buying Time

Not ready to decide? The Browns can simply move the goalposts by amending his contract to push the void date back to March.

Whatever happens, Monday’s deadline will have a major impact on Cleveland’s immediate future.

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