We’re a few full month into 2026 free agency, and as is usually the case for groups who made a head teaching change, the Cleveland Browns have already undergone considerable roster turnover.
The Browns entered the offseason with 26 total pending free agents. A handful re-signed with the staff. A number of landed new offers elsewhere. The majority? They stay stuck in free-agent limbo with lower than two weeks remaining earlier than the NFL Draft.
Cleveland’s most distinguished signings have been exterior, with guards Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and linebacker Quincy Williams as the principle headliners. Nothing screams “team in transition” fairly just like the Browns making reserve offensive lineman Teven Jenkins their most prominent re-signing (on a whopping one-year, $4 million contract besides).
That leaves some big-name gamers from Cleveland’s 2025 roster still looking for their subsequent NFL alternative.
Cleveland Browns free brokers who still want a staff for the 2026 NFL season
David Njoku – TE
Aside from a go to with the Baltimore Ravens, there hasn’t been a lot buzz round Njoku’s subsequent touchdown spot. There has been rumored interest from the Miami Dolphins, however given his cool market and the Browns’ apparent void at No. 2 tight finish, maybe a return to Cleveland on a one-year deal might be in the playing cards?
The emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. steered the Browns away from signing Njoku to a multi-year extension this offseason. They could have their sights set on a alternative in the draft, however as it stands, a depth chart with Blake Whiteheart and Jack Stoll behind Fannin leaves a lot to be desired.
Jack Conklin – RT
Conklin is coming into his age-32 season and was restricted to 21 video games over his closing three years in Cleveland as a consequence of accidents. His time with the Browns is sort of actually over after the staff swung a commerce with Houston for Tytus Howard this offseason.
Kaleb McGary’s current retirement from the Atlanta Falcons might doubtlessly result in a reunion with Kevin Stefanski. Otherwise, Conklin’s market appears slightly quiet.
Joel Bitonio – LG
This is likely one of the greater head-scratchers of the Browns’ offseason. Bitonio and the Browns initially agreed to increase the void date on his contract, affording him extra time to weigh retirement. That deadline handed at first of the brand new league 12 months, leaving the Browns with a now unavoidable $23.5 million dead-cap hit for 2026.
Now a full month later, there’s still no decision. The ebook isn’t totally closed on a Bitonio return to the Browns in 2026, however after the staff loaded up on guards in free agency, one in all Cleveland’s prime enforcers for over a decade might resolve to play elsewhere in 2026, if he opts to return in any respect.
Ethan Pocic – C
Pocic is just 4 months faraway from tearing his Achilles, so a return for his age-31 season is in severe doubt. If a contending staff has its heart go down midseason, Pocic could be a viable option if he can return to full well being.
Martin Emerson Jr. – CB
An Achilles harm over the summer season derailed the ultimate 12 months of Emerson’s rookie contract. He not too long ago labored out for the Houston Texans however is still on the lookout for his subsequent dwelling. It’s possible that Emerson might discover his approach again to the Browns, however alternatives determine to be restricted behind Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, and he’d likely have to settle for a cheap, one-year contract at this level. That can be a tricky capsule to swallow for a participant who logged 27 begins on some good Browns defenses from 2023-24.
Shelby Harris – DT
There’s been some buzz round Harris doubtlessly touchdown with John Harbaugh and the New York Giants, however not a lot round a return to Cleveland in 2026. His manufacturing dipped a bit in 2025, however Harris was still a strong veteran chief for the Browns’ line of defense.
With the anticipated wholesome return of Maliek Collins, and the emergence of No. 5 general draft choose Mason Graham, the timing appears proper to let Harris discover different choices coming into his age-35 season.
Cam Robinson – LT
Over the final two seasons, Robinson has began video games for the Jaguars, Vikings, Texans, and Browns. This is actually his first time as a real unrestricted free agent, however as Browns followers witnessed in 2025, he’s no longer a viable NFL left tackle, aside from being an harm fill-in.
The Browns acquired Robinson from the Texans final season following Dawand Jones’ season-ending harm, and to say he struggled can be placing it kindly. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson led the staff in penalties, pressures allowed, and sacks allowed regardless of solely enjoying in 13 video games. He’s by no means been thought-about a candidate to return in 2026.
Other unsigned Browns free brokers
- Cornelius Lucas – OT
- Rayshawn Jenkins – S
- Jerome Baker – LB
- Deandre Carter – WR
- Trayveon Williams – RB
- Sam Webb – CB
- Anthony Kendall – CB
