Ezra Cleveland

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Jaguars significantly overpaid for Cleveland's services, turning what should have been a modest depth signing into a head-scratching commitment that earns an F CVI. At $8.0M AAV over three years, Jacksonville is paying above-average starter money for a guard who remains unproven after bouncing around the league and failing to establish himself as a reliable contributor. The $14.3M in guaranteed money compounds the risk, essentially locking the team into nearly two full seasons of premium compensation for a player whose track record suggests replacement-level production. Cleveland's career arc shows little indication he'll suddenly justify this investment, making this deal feel like a panic move rather than strategic roster building. The Jaguars would have been better served addressing their offensive line needs through the draft or finding a more established veteran at a fraction of this cost, as this contract hamstrings their salary cap flexibility while betting big on a player who hasn't proven he belongs in a starting role.

Performance Analysis

Ezra Cleveland's F grade is a harsh verdict for a guard who has been a durable starter but has failed to grade out as even an average performer. Across 59 games over six seasons with Minnesota and Jacksonville, Cleveland has been a consistent presence on the offensive line — he played 16 and 15 games in his last two seasons with the Jaguars. However, durability alone does not equal quality, and his performance grade suggests he has been a below-replacement-level player despite his availability. Jacksonville's offensive line has been one of the worst in football during his tenure, and Cleveland has been part of that problem. For a former second-round pick, this is a disappointing trajectory that suggests he has hit his ceiling as a subpar starter.