While the team could turn to young prospect Alec Anderson as the starter, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Buffalo should aggressively pursue a proven veteran to solidify the unit—and he’s pointing directly at former Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio.
“The Bills should be looking in the veteran guard market,” Barnwell wrote, “and while it might cost them the compensatory fifth-rounder they project to land for Edwards, getting a solution locked in place before the better options join other teams might be prudent.”
Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, has spent his entire 12-year career with the Browns, but his contract voided at the start of the new league year, making him an unrestricted free agent. Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry has confirmed Bitonio is taking his time with the decision, stating at the NFL Combine: “Joel’s still working through that. At this point in his career, this point in his life, he deserves the time and space to do that, stay in regular communications and we’ll work through that at the appropriate time.”
The Browns have moved on by signing Zion Johnson, yet they’ve kept the door cracked for a potential return. Recent reports indicate Bitonio has not retired or re-signed with Cleveland, fueling speculation that he’s exploring options elsewhere—potentially for one final run at a Super Bowl with a legitimate contender.
Enter the Bills. Buffalo, armed with quarterback Josh Allen and a roster built to contend, represents the perfect landing spot for a veteran like Bitonio. A one-year deal with a playoff powerhouse could provide the 34-year-old with the championship chase he’s yet to achieve in Cleveland. Adding Bitonio would instantly upgrade the interior line, giving Allen more time in the pocket, improving run blocking, and stabilizing a unit that has occasionally struggled to protect its star quarterback.
Barnwell noted the alternatives if Bitonio opts for retirement: “If Bitonio’s not an option, the best veteran guard left on the market is Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler’s still a competent interior lineman, but he’s 36 years old and has spent his career at right guard.” Bitonio, however, remains the clear prize—versatile, durable, and battle-tested at left guard.
The Bills face another offensive line decision with swing tackle Ryan Van Demark, who received a one-year, $4.2 million offer sheet from the Minnesota Vikings. Buffalo has five days to match the deal; failing to do so would mean losing him without compensation due to his undrafted status. Depth options like Travis Clayton, Tylan Grable, and Chase Lundt exist, but securing Bitonio would address the left guard need head-on and provide elite leadership.
If Bitonio chooses Buffalo over retirement or a return to Cleveland, it would mark a seismic shift—one of the league’s most respected linemen trading in the Dawg Pound for Bills Mafia in pursuit of that elusive ring. David Edwards is gone, but a legend could be walking in. This potential move isn’t just an upgrade; it’s the kind of veteran injection that could push Buffalo’s offense—and their Super Bowl aspirations—to new heights. The clock is ticking, and the Bills appear ready to make their pitch.
