Ben Cleveland

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Chargers took a low-risk flyer on Ben Cleveland with this $1.2M deal, but even at that modest price point, this contract earns a D+ CVI as a slight overpay for an unproven interior lineman. Cleveland remains largely untested at the NFL level despite bouncing around practice squads and brief roster stints, making it difficult to justify even replacement-level money for a guard who hasn't demonstrated he can handle regular snaps. The one-year structure does limit the Chargers' exposure, giving them an easy out if Cleveland fails to develop into a reliable contributor. However, for a team with playoff aspirations, allocating resources to such a speculative piece feels questionable when that money could have been better spent on proven depth. This looks like a camp body signing masquerading as a meaningful addition, and the Chargers likely could have found similar upside for less money or through undrafted free agency.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Ben's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Ben Cleveland grades at an F for the Chargers at guard, a former third-round pick whose size has not translated into productive NFL play. Cleveland is a massive human being, but he has been routinely outmaneuvered by quicker interior defenders who use his lack of agility against him. His pass protection has been a problem, and the Chargers cannot afford weak links on a line protecting their franchise quarterback. The power and nastiness that made him a draft prospect have not shown up consistently at the NFL level. Los Angeles needs to find more reliable options at guard to keep their offense on track.

How Ben Compares at the Position

Ben Cleveland ranks 138th of 166 graded gs by performance. That slots Ben between Trevor Penning (F) just ahead and Mike Caliendo (F) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Ben Cleveland's public perception reflects that of a journeyman interior lineman whose career trajectory has been decidedly underwhelming, earning a D- sentiment grade from fans and analysts. The guard's waiver wire pickup by the Chargers after Baltimore released him signals he's viewed as organizational depth rather than a meaningful contributor, with his inability to crack the Ravens' rotation serving as a red flag about his current capabilities. While Cleveland's Georgia pedigree and familiarity with the Chargers' system generate mild optimism among some supporters, the dominant narrative centers on his status as a replacement-level backup who might see spot duty if injuries strike. The fact that off-field divorce proceedings garnered more media attention than his football signing speaks volumes about his perceived impact on the field. Cleveland is largely viewed as a low-risk depth addition for a Chargers offensive line in flux, but expectations remain minimal given his recent struggles to establish himself as a consistent NFL contributor.