The Baltimore Ravens have parted ways with offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, a former player for the University of Georgia, after waiving him from the roster. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 350 pounds, Cleveland is recognized for his impressive physical attributes, which made him a valuable player during his collegiate career from 2016 to 2020.
Cleveland’s recent challenges included a three-game suspension due to a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Prior to his suspension, he had been a healthy scratch for the Ravens, raising questions about his standing within the team. He was set to be eligible to return for the crucial Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that would determine the AFC North champion.
Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Cleveland accumulated experience as both a backup and a special teams player, participating in 64 games over his tenure with the Ravens. Despite the team’s multiple playoff appearances during his time, Cleveland was not part of a roster that reached the Super Bowl.
In light of his notable size and experience, Cleveland is likely to attract interest from other NFL teams as he seeks a new opportunity in the league. However, it may not be until the 2026 season that he finds another team, as Week 18 plays out.
Cleveland’s path has not been without legal issues; in February 2025, he faced charges for driving under the influence, adding another layer to his professional challenges. The Ravens’ decision reflects the complexities teams face when balancing player potential against off-field behavior.
As the offseason approaches, hope remains that Cleveland can turn the page on his past difficulties and find success in his next NFL chapter. Fans will be watching to see where his career might lead next.