Cleveland is going to spend money on free agency in 2025, despite what national and local media report. Today I’ll start a series of articles on six positions Cleveland will need to address, whether it be as starters or backups, quarterback, offensive tackle, safety, tight end, center and offensive guard. Today, offensive guards.

The Browns free agency plans start with Joel Bitonio. If he retires, the team will keep Wyatt Teller. If Bitonio comes back for another year, the Browns will have to consider if they’re going to keep Teller on the roster at $14.8 million. Personally, I believe Bitonio will be back, and the team will move on from Teller.  Currently the Browns have Zak Zinter and Javion Cohen on the roster. Zinter was drafted to eventually replace one starter, and Cohen was signed as a UDFA to be a developmental player. Neither is ready to step into a starting role for 2025, so a veteran free agent will have to be signed. I also expect Cleveland to additionally sign one or two backups.

When looking for a veteran free agent starter, Browns GM Andrew Berry looks to sign younger players to catch them in their prime. Some ideal targets:

Robert Jones, Miami. Jones is 26 years old, played 94.7% snaps and has been in the league four years. His salary for 2024 was $2 million and his cap hit was $1.8 million. HIs potential contract could be three years at $10.6 million, an average of $3.5 million per year.

Trey Smith, Kansas City. Smith is 26 years old, played 97.3% snaps and has been in the league four years. His salary and cap hit for 2024 was $3.4 million. His potential contract could be four years at $78.8 million, an average of $19.7 million.

Fred Johnson, Philidelphia. Johnson is 28 years old, 41.6% snaps and has been in the league five years. His salary and cap hit for 2024 was 1.2 million. His potential contract could be one-year at 1.6 million.

Brock Hoffman, Dallas. Hoffman is 26 years old, played 44.2% snaps and has been in the league two years. His salary and cap hit for 2024 was $985,000. His potential contract could be three years at $4.3 million, an average of $1.5 million.

Backups:

Ben Cleveland, Baltimore, Teven Jenkins, Chicago, Danny Pinter, Colts, Fred Johnson, Eagles, Will Fries, Colts, Royce Newman, Buccaneers and Ben Bartch, 49ers.

The Browns could also bring back Michael Dunn, Hakeem Adeniji or former Brown Blake Hance. Dunn can play both guard spots and center. Adeniji was signed as a tackle in 2024 but can play guard, he spent the entire year on IR. Hance was a key backup for the Browns in 2020 and 2021.

Next up, centers.