Cleveland’s offensive line overhaul continues. After trading for Tytus Howard and giving the ex-Texans first-rounder an extension, the Browns are turning to another former first-rounder to continue their makeover up front.
Zion Johnson is joining the Browns on a three-year, $49.5MM contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The four-year Chargers starter will see $32.4MM guaranteed on the deal. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz‘s Combine comments seemed to point Johnson out of Los Angeles, and arguably this market’s top guard is heading to Ohio.
PFR’s No. 8-ranked free agent, Johnson spent four seasons with the Bolts. They declined his fifth-year option in 2025, with the Hortiz-Jim Harbaugh regime turning the Tom Telesco draftee into a contract-year player. Rumblings about a big market ensued, even though Johnson has not been viewed as a high-end guard just yet. But durable guards with high draft pedigrees regularly see big money in free agency. Considering some of the deals thrown around at this position in recent years, the Browns may have a bargain with the Boston College alum.
The longtime Browns guard duo — Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller — hit free agency. New HC Todd Monken, who coached Bitonio in 2019, wants the 12-year Browns blocker to re-sign. But one of Cleveland’s guard posts is now filled. The Browns are also interested in bringing back sixth man-turned-Teller timeshare cog Teven Jenkins. With Howard’s extensive history at guard — even though right tackle is his primary position — gives Cleveland options here. But the Browns also have their primary tackles and center from 2025 unsigned, creating a rare situation in which a team swaps out all five O-linemen from a season.
While Pro Football Focus has never ranked Johnson as a top-35 guard, ESPN’s run block win rate metric regarded his contract year highly, slotting him second among all interior O-linemen. Having logged full seasons at right and left guard, Johnson has made 65 starts and has been one of the position’s most durable players. On a market housing several older blockers, the 26-year-old L.A. piece will be a key part of the Browns’ 2026 O-line overhaul.
He’s still young and lots of offensive linemen are better during their second contracts than their rookie contracts, but man that’s a lot of money for a guy who’s been so mediocre.
Hey, and don’t forget he’s gonna be playing in front of a Pro Bowl QB
Yep. Massive overpay for an average guard.
Wow that’s a lot of money considering his career to date.
Browns are in desperation mode at OG right now.