With the 2026 NFL Draft set to take place this month in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, several players remain on the free agent market who could help the Detroit Lions. One of those players that remains unsigned is Cleveland Browns offensive guard Joel Bitonio.Â
According to Bleacher Report, Bitonio is the one remaining free agent on the market who could help the Detroit Lions next season. Following a season in which the offensive line was a major issue in the Lions' missing the playoffs, Detroit has seen a complete overhaul of its offensive line, releasing veteran left tackle Taylor Decker and center Graham Glasgow.
Following the departure of Decker and Glasgow, the Lions' offensive line ranks 16th in the NFL, per Alex Kennedy of PFSN.
Why Bitonio is the player the Lions need on their offensive line
With Detroit in need of extra depth on its offensive line, adding Bitonio may be the veteran piece that the Lions are looking to add before deciding how they want to approach this year’s draft. Adding Bitonio gives the Lions much-needed depth on their offensive line and adds an extra piece alongside Christian Mahogany, Penei Sewell, and Tate Ratledge.
Bitonio has had a remarkable career as an offensive guard with the Cleveland Browns. The 34-year-old offensive guard has been selected to the Pro Bowl in seven of the last eight years, a streak that ended last season.
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According to Pro Football Focus, on 1,100 snaps last season with the Cleveland Browns, Bitonio allowed just two sacks and committed a single penalty. That consistency is just what the Lions need entering the 2026 season, as protecting quarterback Jared Goff is critical in Detroit's effort to reclaim the NFC North Division title and return to the postseason.
As was on display last season, the Lions' offensive line's performance was not what fans were accustomed to seeing during their memorable 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 overall record, as their inability to protect Goff and establish a dominant running game played a major role in Detroit falling short of their playoff aspirations.