The Cleveland Browns are poised to have five new starters along the offensive line in 2026.
Going from left to right, the Week 1 lineup should look like first-round draft pick Spencer Fano at left tackle, free agent signing Zion Johnson at left guard, fifth-round draft pick Parker Brailsford at center, free agent signing Elgton Jenkins at right guard, and Tytus Howard, acquired via a trade, at right tackle.
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There is some wiggle room in that, of course, most notably shifting Jenkins to center if Brailsford is not up to speed, and the outside possibility that Joel Bitonio will return for a 13th season at left guard.
While not exactly the odd man out, fourth-year offensive tackle Dawand Jones may have a hard time seeing the field this fall unless someone is injured.
And it could be the final year for Jones in Cleveland after the news broke on Saturday that the team has restructured Jones’ contract to free up a little bit more of cash space, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Jones was originally slated to earn $3.674 million in the final year of his rookie contract. Now, his contract will be just $1.5 million, with a guarantee of $1.145 million.
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For Jones, it brings some financial comfort, especially for a player who has suffered season-ending injuries in each of his three seasons with the Browns.
But the restructuring could be a signal that his time is short in Cleveland.
General manager Andrew Berry made a similar move with running back Jerome Ford last year after drafting Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Ford is now with the Washington Commanders after signing as a free agent.
With the Browns investing so much in the offensive line this offseason, it would not be financially difficult to move on from Jones, either at the end of the preseason or next spring in free agency.
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This may also not be the only player that Berry will be looking to restructure their contract.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is a strong candidate after Cleveland drafted KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Defensive end Isaiah McGuire, who is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, is another name to watch, especially since the Browns gave undrafted free agent Logan Fano a healthy guaranteed deal.
The hope, of course, is that Jones can stay healthy and push hard for a starting job, or at least prove to the Browns that he can be a reliable swing tackle that the team needs to have on the roster.
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