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After an offseason filled with drama, the Cleveland Browns are now set to experience more changes on the offensive line heading into the 2026 NFL season following former guard Joel Bitonio’s retirement on Tuesday morning.
Luckily for the struggling organization, general manager Andrew Berry made it a priority this offseason to acquire key pieces up front during the free agency period and the 2026 NFL Draft, including veterans Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, along with rookie left tackle Spencer Fano. The current mix of experienced players and newcomers that is set to hold down the offensive line under newly-hired head coach Todd Monken should be a massive improvement from last year’s starting unit.
However, with Bitonio out of the picture for the 2026 season, this could open the door for one of the Browns’ rookies, Parker Brailsford, to carve a role for himself on the offensive line in 2026 and beyond.
Brailsford, a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was a key part of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive line during his last two seasons with the program. Over the course of his 1,680 snaps with Alabama, the stout lineman allowed a total of 21 quarterback pressures and one sack, while also finishing with an average PFF pass blocking grade of 78.9.
While many Browns fans and analysts have projected Jenkins to take over as the team’s starting center for the upcoming season, there’s a good chance that the former Green Bay Packers’ offensive lineman could slide to the guard position without Bitontio part of the mix. This would leave the center position up for grabs between Brailsford and 2023 sixth-round pick Luke Wypler, who is slowly recovering from a knee injury he sustained at the end of the 2025 regular season.
Fortunately for Cleveland’s newest center addition, he was able to receive some first-team reps during Tuesday’s 11-on-11 period, which is a promising sign for his chances to crack the starting lineup in Week One. Along with receiving first-team reps, Brailsford’s natural athleticism off the line of scrimmage will bode well for him when considering Monken’s offensive style, which tends to favor linemen who are agile and can pull in the run game.
If Brailsford were to be named the starting center for the Browns’ first matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the rookie must continue to grow as a run blocker throughout the course of training camp. Brailsford has proven to be a force in the passing game, but his struggles in the run game lowered his draft stock in 2026 and could ultimately prevent him from taking on a bigger role on offense as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: How Browns' Parker Brailsford benefits from Joel Bitonio's retirement
Continue reading...
Luckily for the struggling organization, general manager Andrew Berry made it a priority this offseason to acquire key pieces up front during the free agency period and the 2026 NFL Draft, including veterans Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson, along with rookie left tackle Spencer Fano. The current mix of experienced players and newcomers that is set to hold down the offensive line under newly-hired head coach Todd Monken should be a massive improvement from last year’s starting unit.
However, with Bitonio out of the picture for the 2026 season, this could open the door for one of the Browns’ rookies, Parker Brailsford, to carve a role for himself on the offensive line in 2026 and beyond.
Could Brailsford be a starter in 2026?
Brailsford, a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was a key part of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive line during his last two seasons with the program. Over the course of his 1,680 snaps with Alabama, the stout lineman allowed a total of 21 quarterback pressures and one sack, while also finishing with an average PFF pass blocking grade of 78.9.
While many Browns fans and analysts have projected Jenkins to take over as the team’s starting center for the upcoming season, there’s a good chance that the former Green Bay Packers’ offensive lineman could slide to the guard position without Bitontio part of the mix. This would leave the center position up for grabs between Brailsford and 2023 sixth-round pick Luke Wypler, who is slowly recovering from a knee injury he sustained at the end of the 2025 regular season.
Fortunately for Cleveland’s newest center addition, he was able to receive some first-team reps during Tuesday’s 11-on-11 period, which is a promising sign for his chances to crack the starting lineup in Week One. Along with receiving first-team reps, Brailsford’s natural athleticism off the line of scrimmage will bode well for him when considering Monken’s offensive style, which tends to favor linemen who are agile and can pull in the run game.
If Brailsford were to be named the starting center for the Browns’ first matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the rookie must continue to grow as a run blocker throughout the course of training camp. Brailsford has proven to be a force in the passing game, but his struggles in the run game lowered his draft stock in 2026 and could ultimately prevent him from taking on a bigger role on offense as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: How Browns' Parker Brailsford benefits from Joel Bitonio's retirement
Continue reading...
