The Cleveland Browns bucked the typical trends by billing themselves as buyers at the NFL trade deadline instead of sellers despite a record of 2-7, but ended up instead not really being either at all.
That begs the question of what the team’s priorities will be heading into an offseason in the midst of a rebuild that began in the 2025 draft, which has produced five regular starters to this point in the season.
“Given the state of the offensive line, getting a new deal done for Wyatt Teller figures to be a priority either later this season or in early 2026,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic wrote Tuesday, November 4.
Teller, 30 years old, is on the final year of a $57 million contract. Those circumstances rendered him a potential trade chip given the need for offensive linemen on a couple of prominent playoff contenders, specifically the Detroit Lions who lost guard Christian Mahogany to a season-ending injury against the Minnesota Vikings last week.
However, Jackson asserted Tuesday that there was no deal on the table for any of the Browns’ trade candidates that would have brought back a second- or third-round pick in return. Thus Teller, the four-time Pro Bowler, now becomes a priority so significant that Cleveland can’t risk allowing him to get to free agency and creating a bidding war for his services.
Browns Guard Joel Bitonio Also Headed to Free Agency in March
GettyOffensive guard Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland could also see guard Joel Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowler who is playing the 2025 campaign at 34 years old, depart for a new team or retire this offseason as he will become a free agent as well.
Despite fielding both Bitonio and Teller, each of whom continues playing well above-average at his position (Bitonio 12th and Teller 35th out of 78 qualifying offensive guards), Cleveland still has the worst offensive line in the league heading into Week 10, per Pro Football Focus rankings.
“Cleveland’s offensive line has struggled throughout the season, giving up 129 pressures — including 15 sacks — on 329 passing attempts,” Zoltan Budáy of PFF wrote Wednesday. “The group’s 78.1 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating ranks dead last in the NFL through Week 9.”
Deshaun Watson Poses $80 Million Problem for Browns Next Year
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The confusing and uncertain quarterback scenario in Cleveland also plays into the offensive line discussion, as the tackle positions need to improve for Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders or the rookie from the 2026 class the Browns may decide to draft with two first-round picks next April.
There is also the financial quagmire the franchise faces with regards to injured signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who will enter the final year of his contract in 2026.
“Near-future accounting for the Browns will involve a series of decisions on Watson, who’s currently due to count more than $80 million on next year’s cap, plus an assessment of all quarterback and offensive line options,” Jackson continued.
Cleveland currently has 10 picks in next year’s draft and the Gabriel/Sanders competition to sort out this season, but things aren’t looking overly promising for the Browns next year, which emphasizes the importance of keeping Teller around as the offensive line’s anchor — particularly because there may not be a good deal of money to improve the unit in free agency.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Predicted to Bring Back $57 Million Star on New Deal appeared first on Heavy Sports.