Four-Year Offensive Guard Resigns with the Jaguars

During the middle of the 2023 season, four-year pro-offensive guard Ezra Cleveland was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville held the lead in the AFC South for most of the season, until they completely fell apart in the final lick of the regular season, losing five out of their last six games and missing the playoffs entirely. Cleveland became a free agent at season’s end. It was reported that Ezra signed a three-year deal worth 28 and a half million dollars to return to the Jaguars.

Ezra Cleveland played at Boise State from 2016 to 2019. After being redshirted in 2016, he became a full-time starter in 2017. During his time, he played 40 career games. He was named to the First-Team All-MW during his junior and senior seasons. Cleveland declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected by the Vikings during the second round as the 58th overall pick. Ezra was traded to the Jaguars on Halloween for a 2024 sixth-round pick. 

The Vikings’ offensive line did a bad job protecting their quarterbacks during the 2023 season. They were ranked 22nd in the league allowing 47 sacks on their four different quarterbacks that they started. Cleveland with the Jags must show he’s capable of protecting his quarterback on every single play. Hopefully, 2024 will be the first time we see the four-year pro-offensive guard make his first Pro Bowl!