dailyloe.com – The Cleveland Browns have considerable roster turnover one month into 2026 free agency. This follows a head coaching change for the team. They entered the offseason with 26 pending free agents. Only a handful have re-signed or found new deals elsewhere.
The majority of players remain in free-agent limbo. This situation persists with less than two weeks before the NFL Draft. The Browns’ most prominent signings have been external additions. These include guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins and linebacker Quincy Williams.
Reserve offensive lineman Teven Jenkins was the most prominent re-signing. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract. This leaves big-name players from the 2025 roster still searching. Tight end David Njoku is among the 14 Browns free agents still needing a team.
Njoku has had little buzz around his next landing spot. He visited the Baltimore Ravens. There is rumored interest from the Miami Dolphins. His cool market and a void at tight end for Cleveland could lead to a return.
A one-year deal with the Browns could be possible. The emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. steered the team away from a multi-year extension for Njoku. They may seek a replacement in the draft. The current depth chart behind Fannin includes Blake Whiteheart and Jack Stoll.
Right tackle Jack Conklin is also a free agent. He is entering his age-32 season. Conklin was limited to 21 games over his final three years in Cleveland due to injuries. His time with the Browns is almost certainly over.
The team traded with Houston for Tytus Howard this offseason. Kaleb McGary’s retirement from Atlanta could lead to a reunion with coach Kevin Stefanski for Conklin. Otherwise, his market seems quiet. Guard Joel Bitonio’s situation is another head-scratcher.
Bitonio and the Browns agreed to extend the void date on his contract. This gave him more time to weigh retirement. That deadline passed at the start of the new league year. It left the Browns with a $23.5 million dead-cap hit for 2026.
Now a full month later, there is still no resolution. The book is not closed on his status. The list of other remaining Browns free agents is extensive. It includes defensive tackle Shelby Harris and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II and safety Juan Thornhill are also unsigned. So are linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and kicker Dustin Hopkins. Defensive end Alex Wright and running back Pierre Strong Jr. need teams. Wide receiver David Bell and tight end Harrison Bryant are on the list.
Guard Michael Dunn and center Nick Harris complete the group of 14. The Browns’ roster rebuild continues as the draft nears. Many key contributors from last season await their next opportunity.[]
Source: Dawg Pound Daily
