The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a restructured contract with offensive tackle Dawand Jones for the 2026 season, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Saturday morning.
Jones was originally set to earn $3.674 million in 2026 after triggering the Proven Performance Escalator by playing more than 35% of offensive snaps in two of his first three NFL seasons. Under the new agreement, his compensation is reduced to $1.5 million, including $1.145 million guaranteed. The adjustment gives Cleveland added salary-cap flexibility while still ensuring Jones receives guaranteed money tied to his rookie deal value.
The 24-year-old offensive lineman, selected by the Browns in the fourth round (No. 111 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4,632,332, which included a $792,332 signing bonus. Across his NFL career, Jones has made 20 starts. In the 2025 season, he appeared in three games and started all three at tackle.
His tenure in Cleveland has included both versatility and setbacks, as he has played at both left and right tackle while also dealing with three season-ending injuries over three years. Those availability concerns contributed to uncertainty about his long-term role, especially after the Browns added tackle Spencer Fano in the draft.
The revised deal still allows Cleveland to move or waive Jones without dead cap from guaranteed money, and any claimed contract would transfer fully to another team. Incentives tied to playing time or honors such as a Pro Bowl could potentially restore his earnings back to the $3.674 million level.
Other Browns players, including Cedric Tillman and Isaiah McGuire, also qualified for the Proven Performance Escalator this year.
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a restructured contract with offensive tackle Dawand Jones for the 2026 season, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Saturday morning. Jones was originally set to earn $3. 674 million in 2026 after triggering the Proven Performance Escalator by playing more than 35% of offensive snaps in two of his first three NFL seasons.
