Browns Hold Out Hope for Bitonio's Return

0:00On March 16, the Cleveland Browns are holding out hope that bettering guard Joel Baitonio will return for a 13 season. The seven-time pro-bowl selection is now a free agent, mulling retirement or a move to another team. Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, a Browns legend, plans to text him with strong praise for the new offensive line coach to help seal the deal. Meanwhile, head coach Todd Mocken met with Baitonio at the Scouting Combine in February and urged him to come back. The front office even pushed back the void date on his contract by nearly a month to buy more time, though no decision has come yet. The Browns move quickly at guard after losing Wyatt Teller in free agency. They signed Zion Johnson from the Los Angeles Chargers and Elton Jenkins from the Green Bay Packers, committing almost $74 million. Including over $52 million in guarantees, they also resigned Teven Jenkins for about $4 million and traded for Titus Howard, who can play guard. New addition, Zion Johnson called it an honor to step in after Baitonio and promised

1:03to maintain that high standard. The team still faces a $23.5 million dead cap hit from Baitonio's contract, no matter his choice. With George Warhop back coaching the line after his earlier stint in Cleveland, and Baitonio's 12 loyal years of top play behind him, the door remains cracked open just a bit