RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Chargers have released veteran offensive lineman Ben Cleveland.
#Chargers released Ben Cleveland
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 27, 2026 The Chargers signed Cleveland to the practice squad late last season and re-signed him in January.
This move opens up a spot on their 90-man roster ahead of training camp.
Cleveland was a 2021 third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens . He was selected 94th overall and spent the first four seasons of his career with the team, and then some.
Towards the end of the 2025 season, the 27-year-old was suspended for three games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. In the new year, Cleveland was waived by the Ravens following his suspension.
Shortly after the suspension, Cleveland signed to the Chargers' practice squad. A few days later, Cleveland signed a reserve/future contract. A month after signing that contract with the Chargers, he was arrested for DUI and failure to maintain lane.
According to authorities, Cleveland blew a .178 on a breathalyzer test.
The former Georgia Bulldog played in 64 games in his NFL career with seven starts, all with the Ravens. His involvement in the offense only diminished year by year. In his rookie season, Cleveland played in 43 percent of the offensive snaps. Last season, he only appeared in three snaps, accounting for one percent of the offensive snaps.
Most of Cleveland's playing time in 2025 came on special teams. He appeared in 10 games for the Ravens last season with no starts.
Prior to his NFL career, the Georgia native was named to the third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC in 2020.
Cleveland will now look for the third team of his career.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers cut ties with veteran offensive lineman
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