Linebacker Devin Bush, who led the NFL with two Pick 6's in 2025, is the only Browns defensive starter not under contract. Decisions on 31 Browns free agents like Bush are on hold until the team picks a new head coach. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
The Browns’ coaching search has put a temporary freeze on their personnel business matters.
The Browns have 31 players whose contracts have run out. Nine of them started 10 or more games in 2025.
Usually at this time of year, reports are written on each free agent by assistant coaches to help GM Andrew Berry decide whom to bring back. While that is being done by coaches still under contract, the Browns likely won’t make final decisions on their pending free agents until a head coach is hired and new assistants do a quick deep-dive film study.
Here’s a look at the Browns’ pending free agents.
Starters of 10 or more games
Left guard Joel Bitonio: He came back for a 12th season last year and was the only starting lineman to make it through 17 games healthy. With his contract up and another coaching change on the way, Bitonio probably will opt for retirement. He welled up in his exit media interview when asked about his Browns legacy.
Right guard Wyatt Teller: In his 100th career NFL start, the Browns surprisingly demoted Teller to part-time duty in a rotation with Teven Jenkins. A calf injury limited him to one more active game over the last month. The three-time Pro Bowler wanted to end his career with a final contract from the Browns, but they don’t seem interested.
Tight end David Njoku: When the trade deadline passed without Njoku being dealt, he was glad. But talks of a contract extension to keep him a Brown never materialized. Njoku, the franchise’s second most prolific tight end to Ozzie Newsome, picked a bad year to have a bad year.
Free safety Ronnie Hickman: Only 24, Hickman is a restricted free agent (RFA), which means the Browns can reserve the right of first refusal with a minimum offer of $3.4 million. Third in tackles (100) and tied for second in interceptions (two), his fate may rest on whether defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stays.
Center Ethan Pocic: The end of Pocic’s four-year tenure in Cleveland was inevitable, but an Achilles tendon injury in the Tennessee game in early December cost him the chance to score another starting contract in free agency. Just brutal.
Left tackle Cam Robinson: The opportunity was there for him to earn a return in 2026. His performance in 12 starts makes that doubtful.
Linebacker Devin Bush: He capped off an incredible year with a 97-yard interception return for a TD in the last game against Cincinnati. Bush led the Browns with three interceptions and was second in tackles (124). He led the NFL with two Pick 6’s and 164 interception return yards. He’s the only starter on defense not under contract.
Punter Corey Bojorquez: A steady performer for four years, he’s led the NFL in punts the past two seasons. It’s odd that he wasn’t extended by now.
Kicker Andre Szmyt: After the first game, he was 23 of 25 on field goals with two game-winners, and 24 of 24 on PATs. After the season, owner Jimmy Haslam cited his turnaround as one reason Andrew Berry returned as GM. Yes, he’ll be back.
Familiar names
Right tackle Jack Conklin: After missing 41 of 83 games the past five years, he hopes a change of scenery improves his injury luck. He won’t be back.
Cornerback Martin Emerson: An Achilles tendon injury in training camp ended his fourth NFL season. The Browns probably would have re-upped him if healthy. Now, they’ll let him test the market.
Running back Jerome Ford: The future of the backfield is Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris: This kick-block specialist is a valuable roster addition but could see activity in free agency despite his age (34).
Guard Teven Jenkins: Given the Browns’ expected massive turnover on the offensive line, he has a chance to be invited back.
Linebacker Mahmoud Diabate: He’s an RFA and probably will be invited back with an appropriate contract tender.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley: Another RFA, he’s only 23. Why not bring him back?
Long snapper Rex Sunahara: One of the biggest surprises in All-Pro voting (other than Denzel Ward not receiving a single vote) was Sunahara finishing third among long snappers with seven first-place votes and 25 total points. He’s an RFA, so likely to return.
Others
Linebacker Jerome Baker, wide receiver-returner DeAndre Carter, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive end Cam Thomas, defensive tackle Sam Kamara (RFA), running back Trayveon Williams, tight end Blake Whiteheart (RFA), tight end Brend Bates, safety Tre Avery, cornerback Sam Webb, cornerback D’Angelo Ross, wide receiver Jamari Thrash, cornerback Anthony Kendall, defensive end Julian Okwara.