Guard Zion Johnson was the 17th overall pick of the 2022 draft when Browns consultant Tom Telesco was Chargers GM.
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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.
Working both sides of the ball on the first day of free agency, Browns GM Andrew Berry added starting guard Zion Johnson (Chargers) and starting linebacker Quincy Williams (Jets).
Berry also is pursuing a trade for Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is drawing interest from multiple teams, per reports.
Meanwhile, the Browns are hoping to hear a decision on Tuesday from guard Joel Bitonio on whether he will retire or return for a 13th season.
Bitonio's contract is scheduled to void on Tuesday, which would result in $23 million in dead cap charges to the Browns. But it’s possible that deadline could be extended again to give Bitonio more time to make a decision.
The Browns saw two of their free agents leave for greener pastures. Linebacker Devin Bush, coming off a career year, reportedly agreed with the Bears on a three-year deal for a maximum of $30 million. Defensive end and special teamer Cam Thomas agreed to a one-year deal for $3.095 million with the Falcons.
Added by the Browns
1. Guard Zion Johnson, 26
According to overthecap.com, Johnson’s three-year contract is for a maximum of $49.5 million, with $32.39 million guaranteed. Multiple void years keep his salary cap numbers moderate over the first two seasons with a bump occurring in the third season (2028).
Johnson was a first-round pick (17th overall) of the Chargers in 2022 by then-GM Tom Telesco, whom Berry has used as a consultant this offseason.
Johnson, 6-3 and 316 pounds, started 17 games as a right guard in his rookie season and then was moved to left guard in 2023, where he stayed through 2025. In four seasons with the Chargers, Johnson started 65 of a possible 68 games.
Johnson’s flexibility means he could be the starting right guard if Bitonio returns. If Bitonio retires, Johnson could be the starting left guard and a competition at right guard might ensue between returners Zak Zinter, Dawand Jones (in a position switch), and others.
Johnson is the second veteran lineman added by Berry. Last week, he traded with Houston for Tytus Howard, who has played guard but is being paid like a tackle.
2. Linebacker Quincy Williams, 29
Williams was a third-round draft pick of the Jaguars when new Browns coordinator Mike Rutenberg was assistant linebackers coach. They reunited with the Jets in 2021 when Rutenberg was named linebackers coach under head coach Robert Saleh and Williams was claimed when the Jaguars released him at the 53 roster cut.
Williams’ career took off immediately as a starter with the Jets under Rutenberg’s tutelage.
In his first two seasons, Williams started in 28 games and earned a three-year contract. In 2023, Williams had a career-year -- 139 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, two interceptions, two sacks, and one fumble recovery. He was named to the All-Pro first team.
Williams had another 100-plus tackle season in 2024, and then his production dropped off in 2025 when Rutenberg departed the Jets to join the Falcons.
Williams, who turns 30 on August 28, reportedly agreed to a two-year deal for up to $17 million.
What the Browns didn’t do
Although the Browns had interest in Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, they were blown out of the water by the Raiders’ reported deal of three years for $81 million ($60 million guaranteed). And they sat tight as center Cade Mays agreed with the Lions for three years for $25 million.
They were not major players for receivers Alec Pierce (Colts, four years for $114 million), Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks, three years/$51 million), Wan’Dale Robinson (Titans, four years/$78 million), Mike Evans (49ers, three years/$42.4 million), and Jalen Nailor (Raiders, three years/$35 million).
They watched both Ravens free agent tight ends find new teams. Isaiah Likely agreed with the Giants for three years/$40 million and Charlie Kolar agreed with the Chargers for three years/$24.2 million.
Who could be next?
The Browns might still be interested in the top left tackle, Rasheed Walker of Green Bay, who did not find a new team on the first day.
If the Browns want to add a veteran quarterback, the unsigned ones include Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Tyrod Taylor, Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, Brandon Allen, Sam Howell, and Jake Browning. None seem to be on the Browns' front burner.
Quarterbacks taken off the market after reported deals on Monday include Malik Willis (Dolphins), Tua Tagovailoa (Falcons), Kenny Picket (Panthers), Gardner Minshew (Cardinals), Marcus Mariota (Commanders), Case Keenum (Bears), Kyle Allen (Bills) and Mitchell Trubisky (Titans). Tyler Huntley was re-signed by the Ravens over the weekend.
How Day 1 affects the draft
Without a starting left tackle or a receiver who could be WR1 or WR2, those two positions remain the top priorities of the Browns’ early draft.
Nickel cornerback looms as the top defensive draft priority.