Browns restructure veteran’s contract. Does it signal the end is near?
GM Andrew Berry reworks the final year of Dawand Jones’ rookie contract. Does that make it easier to move on from him?
BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 11: Dawand Jones #79 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images 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.
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.
The Browns and OT Dawand Jones agreed to a restructured deal for 2026 worth $1. 5 million, including $1. 145M guaranteed.
Jones, who has 20 NFL starts, had been due $3. 674M after hitting an escalator. This frees up cash and cap for Cleveland while Jones gets some guaranteed money.