Packers Eye 5-Time All-Pro Joel Bitonio to Strengthen Offensive Line
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly exploring a potential trade for Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, a five-time All-Pro, to help reinforce their offensive line. Bitonio, 32, is known for his elite pass protection and dominant run-blocking abilities. He has been a staple on the Browns’ offensive front for years, and his veteran leadership could be just what the Packers need to protect quarterback Jordan Love and improve their rushing attack.
“I’ve always believed in doing the dirty work up front,” Bitonio said when reflecting on his career. “Offensive line play isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation for everything. If Green Bay comes calling, I’m always ready to give my best.”
The Packers, facing a string of injuries along their offensive line, are looking to shore up their front five before the playoffs. Head coach Matt LaFleur has emphasized the importance of solid protection for Love, who has been playing under pressure in his first year as the starting quarterback.
“We’ve got a young quarterback, and we need to protect him better,” LaFleur said. “Joel brings a wealth of experience and stability. His leadership and ability to dominate up front could be the missing piece we need to get to the next level.”
While the Browns have yet to entertain trade discussions regarding Bitonio, the Packers' interest signals their commitment to bolstering their offensive line as the trade deadline approaches. As the Packers prepare for the second half of the season, all eyes will be on whether they can land one of the league’s top interior linemen.
“Every team wants a player like Joel,” said Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. “He’s the kind of guy who can change an offensive line overnight. Having him would be a huge boost to any team.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the Packers may look to make a move that would solidify their offensive front for the stretch run.
Cubs Face Crucial Decision On Shota Imanaga’s Contract — Breaking Down The Options
When the Chicago Cubs signed Shota Imanaga, the top line of the deal was four years and $53 million. But the deal is about as creative as one could imagine.
No, it’s not Shohei Ohtani creative. But this offseason does represent a real fork in the road for Imanaga and the Cubs, a franchise the former Japanese star wanted to play for so much that he stealthily slipped into Chicago before Cubs Con in 2023 to get a feel for the city before he signed the deal.
Now? He could end up being a rich man or a free agent. It isn’t just about the money. It’s about Imanaga’s future and whether he’s a fit for the Cubs for what could be the next three years. Chicago won’t have much time to make that decision after the World Series, either.
Shota Imanaga’s Contract Paths
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
As presented by Jordan Bastian at MLB.com, the easiest thing the Cubs could do would be to trigger a club option to keep the left-hander. But it isn’t an ordinary option. Most contract options are year-to-year. This option, as written into the deal, is a three-year option. If Chicago triggers it, then it’s tied to Imanaga for three more seasons at a cost of $57.75 million.
That means the Cubs are comfortable with tying themselves to the 32-year-old for three more years. On paper, that works. He is 24-11 with a 3.28 ERA in 54 starts since he joined Chicago in 2023. But he’s spent time on the injured list both seasons, and he’ll be 35 at the end of the deal. The Cubs may not be comfortable with the money and his age.
If the Cubs aren’t comfortable, perhaps Imanaga is? By declining the option, the Cubs then put the lefty’s future in his hands. He would then have a one-year option that is worth $15.25 million. If Imanaga wants to stay at that cost, he can do so.
But it also triggers a different option for the Cubs. After the 2026 season, the three-year option would become a two-year option for Chicago, and the process would repeat.
That might be a good middle ground for the Cubs. But Imanaga may feel he’s worth more on the open market. Plus, by entering the market he would compete with San Diego’s Michael King, Houston’s Framber Valdez and San Diego’s Dylan Cease for the top free agent starting pitcher on the market.
The final option is both sides declining the option. In that case, the Cubs do have one final arrow in the quiver — the qualifying offer. Teams are allowed to make a qualifying offer to impending free agents. This year the QO is an estimated $22 million. Imanaga can take the money or turn it down. But, if another team signs Imanaga, then Chicago gets draft pick compensation.
Right now, Chicago has Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton and Javier Assad under contract. That is four-fifths of a starting rotation. Imanaga would complete it before the Cubs even hit free agency.
But that’s the question. Do the Cubs want Imanaga? Does Imanaga want the Cubs if they don’t trigger the option? Soon, the Cubs will have to figure that out.
